The Evaluation of Dental English Education in China Based on ‘Guanghua Cup’ International Clinical Skill Exhibition Activity

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate current Chinese dental English education based on the Chinese participants’ application ability of dental English during an international dental skill competition called ‘Guanghua Cup activity’.Methods: The enrollment ratio of English and Chinese volunteers, the answer rate and accuracy of English knowledge quiz of Chinese and international contestants were statistically described. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was delivered to contestants, English and Chinese volunteers. The data was analyzed using spearman test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Mann-Whitney U test.Results: Among the 194 students, the English and Chinese volunteer enrollment rate was 7.73% and 30.93%, respectively. The answer rate of Chinese participants and international participants in the English quiz was 25% and 75%, with an accuracy rate of 50% and 66.70%, respectively. The questionnaire was graded by Likert 5-level classification. There was a positive correlation between the use of English textbooks in classes and the communication with international teachers and students in the competition (Rs = 0.348, p = 0.016). English volunteers had more preparation in English before the competition, more opportunities to communicate with international peers, and greater improvement in English ability than the contestants and Chinese volunteers(p < 0.001). After the competition, all participants paid more attention to dental English (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Chinese dental students have difficulty in dental English application. The ‘Guanghua Cup’ helps to improve English proficiency of English volunteers and arouses the interest of dental English for all participants. Chinese dental school needs to strengthen and reach a consensus in dental English education.