Self‐reported confidence and anxiety over endodontic procedures in undergraduate students—Quantitative and qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: The current literature shows a growing interest to assess the feelings and perceptions of students associated with the performance of elective endodontic procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the students' anxiety and self-perceptions related to performing such treatments.Methods: Forty-five students participated in the research (G1 = 22 beginners students; G2 = 23 senior students). Demographic data, STAI-State and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pre-operative anxiety were completed before the appointment with patient. The STAI-Trait; NRS for post-operative anxiety; previous experiences in endodontics; and level of confidence in each stage of endodontic treatments were collected after appointment. Focal groups for qualitative data collection were performed on separate occasion. Results:Both groups showed higher scores in STAI-State than for STAI-Trait scale. G1showed higher levels of anxiety in the pre-operative, compared with post-operative moment in the NRS scale. G2 reported feeling more confidence to insert intracanal medication and to restore teeth between appointments than G1. In both focus groups, participants reported insecurity in performing endodontic procedures due to difficulty in visualisation and to anatomic complexities. G1 reported that all the confidence they had was based in pre-clinical experience, and G2 mentioned concern about the end of graduation.

Evaluation of Quality of Root Canal Fillings Performed by Undergraduate Students of a Brazilian University / Avaliação da qualidade da obturação do canal radicular realizada por estudantes de graduação de uma Universidade brasileira

“…According to the ESE 6 , dental students must receive preclinical and clinical training to be able to successfully treat uncomplicated teeth and gain clinical confidence 3,9 . Therefore, RCT is an important educational requirement in a dental course.…”

“…Endodontic education is an important requirement for the training of dental students 6 . Stress and anxiety can affect the academic performance among dental students 8,9 . Studies previous evaluated the quality of RCT performed by dental students and the importance of pre-clinical experience 7,[10][11][12][13] .…”

Influence of Preclinical Training on Root Canal Treatment Technical Quality and Confidence Level of Undergraduate Dental Students

“…While expert guidelines have specified the scope of endodontic education [6], preclinical and clinical teaching methodologies, including the minimum number of cases required to achieve competency, have remained vague [7]. Limited preclinical and clinical training time was cited as a major roadblock to attaining competency and thus achieving self-confidence in performing root canal treatment [1,2,8,9]. Students have allocated special importance to preclinical training in endodontics in helping them acquire the necessary skills [2].…”

Psychomotor Skills in Root Canal Treatment: Influence of Preclinical Training Time on Clinical Performance and Confidence Level of Undergraduate Dental Students

“…Students have allocated special importance to preclinical training in helping them acquire the necessary skills [8]. Limited preclinical and clinical training time were cited as major roadblocks to attaining competency and achieving self-con dence in performing root canal treatment [7,8,13,14]. Despite the expert guidelines specifying the scope of endodontic education [15], preclinical and clinical teaching methodologies on endodontic education, the minimum number of cases required to achieve competency remain vague [8,16].…”