The confidence of undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia in performing endodontic treatment

Abstract

Objective:This study examined the endodontic experience, perceptions of endodontic practice, and self-rated confidence of dental students enrolled in Taibah University, Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods:A questionnaire was distributed to 41 undergraduate dental students registered in endodontic courses in the 2015 academic year. The questionnaire evaluated their confidence performing nonsurgical root canal treatment. The level of confidence was classified using a 5-point scale as “very confident,” “confident,” “neutral,” “not very confident,” or “not at all confident.” The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).Results:The participation rate was 93%. The maxillary incisor was the most common first tooth treated. The students were relatively confident, but their confidence levels were lower regarding endodontic radiology, evaluation of root canal obturation, and determining the correct recall period for the patient.Conclusion:The confidence of undergraduates in endodontics must be enhanced to increase their clinical competence when performing root canal treatment.

Agreement between faculty member assessments and student self‐assessments in a preclinical endodontic programme

“…A previous study (12) regarding the confidence of undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia in performing endodontic treatment revealed that the confidence of undergraduates in endodontics education must be A previous study (12) regarding the confidence of undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia in performing endodontic treatment revealed that the confidence of undergraduates in endodontics education must be …”

“…The students underestimating their competency levels compared to their tutors may be attributed to the lower confidence levels regarding endodontic skills such as radiology, and evaluation of root canal obturation. A previous study (12) regarding the confidence of undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia in performing endodontic treatment revealed that the confidence of undergraduates in endodontics education must be A silicone stopper on the instrument shank is positioned against a reference point on the tooth, 3. The proper working length is calculated by measuring directly on the radiograph from the tip of the instrument to 0.5-1.0 mm short of the radiographic apex.…”

“…enhanced especially in endodontic radiology, and evaluation of root canal obturation. Additionally, such measures are likely to increase students' clinical competency for performing root canal treatment (12). Coutts and Rogers suggest that there is an advantage to students underrating their performance: this will motivate them to work harder and improve (21).…”

“…Additionally, such measures are likely to increase students' clinical competency for performing root canal treatment (12). Or 1-2 mm shorter than the radiographic apex.…”

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

“…2,5 There are several possible causes for the students' lack of confidence related to endodontics, for instance, the relationship with patients, the anatomy of the root canals, the difficulty in taking radiographs with rubber dams, diagnosing, endodontic treatment in poliradicular teeth, 3 determining the working length and determining the correct recall period for the patient. 6 In addition to the inherent difficulties in endodontic treatment, another aspect that may affect the teaching and learning of endodontics is teachers' attitudes and techniques. 4 Moreover, many undergraduate dental students have high levels of stress due to workload, tests, clinical care and personal problems.…”