Self-perceived work preparedness of the graduating dental students

OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of dental education is to prepare students to work independently in a dental practice setting following graduation. Whilst academicians assess students' work preparedness through examinations and evaluations, it is equally important to understand the work preparedness as perceived by students.

METHODS

All students in their final year of the graduate programme in dentistry were selected for this study. The questionnaire assessed the self-perceived confidence in skills and awareness needed to integrate into a general dental practice. Personal data such as gender, age and income status were optionally recorded. The questionnaire included open-ended questions relevant to the educational experiences and suggestions for improvement from student perspective.

RESULTS

Sixty-three students (81.9%) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents (85.7%) perceived that their education had prepared them well for a career in dentistry, and 52.4% of the students considered that the combination of community placement and in-house training helped them to enhance clinical skills. Students' suggestion for improvements indicated that a large number would wish for more clinical sessions (71.4%), whilst only 28.6% preferred an equal distribution between general clinical placements, speciality clinical placement and didactic teaching as the essential factors in attaining competency.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysing and understanding the student's self-perspective on their dental education and work preparedness contribute towards the quality management of the dental curriculum philosophies: in holistic patient health care, lifelong learning, integration knowledge and skills, leading to the ultimate goal of clinical proficiency.

Graduate orthodontic education in Turkey: the residents' perspective

The aim of the present study was to explore residents' perceptions of their educational and clinical treatment experiences including the number of clinical cases undertaken, patient completion rates, techniques utilised and the scientific component of Turkish graduate orthodontic programmes. Residents recorded in the list of Turkish Orthodontic Society were sent an e-mail to participate in a survey containing 46 multiple-choice questions and ten one-line answers. An e-mail with a personalised online link was sent to a total of 227 residents throughout the Turkey. Data were categorised, and basic statistics including chi-square comparative analyses were performed. A total of 136 (response rate of 59.91%) residents completed the survey. The majority of residents (58.08%) were either 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their programme. Respondents said they have just the right amount of formal didactic teaching sessions or dedicated and protected academic time. Most residents (69.11%) indicated their programme offers training in numerous philosophies; whilst 97.79% said they have sufficient clinically based training and 42.64% said they have sufficient research-based training. Overall, residents in the Turkey are satisfied with their orthodontic programme. They receive comprehensive training with the opportunity to start and complete a significant number of their patients. The survey findings suggest that orthodontic programmes in Turkey are deficient in providing care to underserviced populations and disabled patients. Programmes could improve the opportunity for residents to treat patients requiring interdisciplinary treatment.

Measuring the international spreading of the knowledge produced by French dental master theses

We estimated the international spreading of the knowledge produced by French dental master theses by searching for corresponding publications, either as articles in Medline-indexed journals or abstracts of IADR meetings published in the Journal of Dental Research. From the 634 theses defended in 2010 in the 16 French odontology faculties, we found only one article, in a journal without impact factor, and six abstracts, over a 3-year period (2009-2011). This corresponds to a spreading rate of 0.6%. The participation rate of French odontology faculties at IADR meetings varies from 37.5% to 81.3% depending on the year. Although there are very few studies available on the matter, it appears that this international spreading rate is much lower than both the one found by Nieminen for odontology in Finland (8.2%) and typical spreading rates of medical theses (from 6% to 41% depending on the country). This great discrepancy could be explained by the lack of specific training provided to the students; the low awareness and little engagement of the students themselves, usually more concerned with their own private practice work; and the inadequate involvement of their supervisors. To tackle the lack of appropriate training, we suggest that a specific course on scientific writing should be offered to the students in the last year of their dental master studies.

Emotional intelligence of pedodontics and preventive dentistry postgraduate students in India

INTRODUCTION

Whilst the corporate world seems to have embraced the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) as a predictor of worker success, its role in the dental profession needs to be explored; this study provides an Indian context. Hence, the EI of postgraduate (PG) students of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry was assessed.

AIMS

To measure EI amongst Paedodontics PG students in India, to assess any gender differences in EI and associated dimensions amongst them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 300 PG students from various dental institutions across India participating in their specialty national conference at I.T.S. Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Muradnagar, were included. EI was measured by the inventory developed by Singh (2004), based on Goleman's model (1998).

RESULTS

Overall, 240 questionnaires (80% response rate) were completed by 142 male and 98 female PG students and analysed. Results showed that 19% and 58% of the respondents had very high and high EI scores, respectively. None of the students had poor or very poor scores. Results indicated that both males and females had high EI scores of 230.4 (± 10.38) and 222.6 (± 12.04), respectively. However, males had higher scores for dimensions of self-awareness (P<0.01), social awareness (P<0.01) and social skills (P<0.001) than their female counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Both male and female paedodontic postgraduate students in India had high EI scores. This study provides valuable baseline information on EI in an Indian context.

Evaluate the usage of different advanced endodontic instruments and techniques in pediatric dentistry

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of study is to find the prevalence of usage of different advanced endodontic instruments and techniques in pediatric dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A self-administered, structured questionnaire written in English validated through a pretested survey was randomly mailed to the postgraduate students in different dental colleges. A total of 182 of the complete filled questionnaires were returned with response rate of 68.2%. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 15.0. The Student's t-test and ANOVA test were used as test of significance. Karl Pearson's correlation test was used to assess years of education and usage of endodontic instruments.

RESULTS

There was a limited use of new endodontic technologies in the present study. The highest positive response to the usage of advanced endodontic instruments was related to NiTi rotary files with highest number seen among 3rd year students. A linear relationship was found between years of postgraduation and usage of advanced endodontic instruments using Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Based on the results of the present study, it seems that the usage of advanced endodontic instruments is not up to the level. Also we found increased use of new technologies with years of postgraduation.

Cross sectional: use of coolant for high-speed tooth preparation: a survey of pediatric dentist members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

PURPOSE

To report the findings of a survey to determine the educational experiences, opinions and clinical practices relative to the use of coolant during cavity preparation of pediatric dentist members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and to determine whether teaching policies influenced the type of coolant used in private practice.

METHODS

Four thousand fifty surveys were emailed to AAPD members and included questions regarding demographics and predoctoral, graduate, and current practice policies for the use of dry cutting.

RESULTS

Returned survey numbered 1730 for a response rate of 43%. Fifteen percent were taught the concept of dry cutting in their predoctoral programs and 34% in their specialty, programs. Sixty percent never or rarely prepare teeth without water coolant. Slightly more than 40% prepared teeth with air coolant alone. Patient behavior (25%) and sedation (21%) were reported as determining factors for cutting dry. Thirty-one percent of private practice clinicians and 34% of part time academics use dry cutting, while only 15% of full time academicians use the technique (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents tend to use the technique they were taught during their residency. Use of dry cutting was more likely to be utilized during sedations or general anesthesia to avoid airway compromise.

AEGD programs: why now, why more?

With an increased number of dental schools graduating more dentists, along with the opening of new dental schools throughout the United States, more graduating dental students are considering utilizing Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs as a means to increase their understanding of the complexity of modern dentistry and to gain additional training and experience before heading into practice. This position paper describes how these programs can aid in transforming the face of dental education to address the needs of graduates and best educate the next generation of dental professionals. Its purpose is to examine reasons why dental students are choosing to participate in AEGD programs and to support a call for additional programs. An online survey of current AEGD residents was conducted to investigate reasons why they chose to enter this specific postgraduate opportunity. This position paper will also discuss how AEGD programs can be an effective training mechanism to address problematic issues such as access to care and dental licensure. Interest in AEGD programs will continue to rise, and this paper provides support for the expansion of such programs.

Cone beam computed tomography in dental education: a survey of US, UK, and Australian dental schools

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an excellent three-dimensional (3D) imaging modality. Traditional dental education has focused on teaching conventional (2D) imaging. The aims of this survey-based study were therefore to evaluate the incorporation of CBCT teaching in both the predoctoral/undergraduate (D.D.S./D.M.D./B.D.S.) and postgraduate/residency specialty training curricula in dental schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. A nine-question survey form was electronically mailed to fifty-seven schools in the United States, sixteen schools in the United Kingdom, and seven schools in Australia. Fifty U.S. dental schools (89 percent), ten U.K. dental schools (62.5 percent), and one Australian dental school (14 percent) presently have CBCT equipment. The majority of responding schools do not include instruction in higher level use of this technology for undergraduate/predoctoral students, raising questions as to whether these students are adequately trained on qualification. Larger numbers of schools reported providing this training to residents in specialty programs. A similar trend was noticed in U.S., British, and Australian dental education. If general dentists are to be permitted to purchase and use CBCT equipment, inclusion of CBCT in dental education is an absolute requirement to prepare future dental practitioners to apply 3D imaging appropriately for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Factors associated with the satisfaction of millennial generation dental residents

Data from the 2010 Learners' Perceptions Survey (LPS) administered through the Office of Academic Affiliations, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were analyzed to identify factors associated with dental residents' satisfaction with the VA as a clinical training environment. Satisfaction scores were linked to clinic workloads, dental procedure complexity levels, staffing patterns, and facility infrastructure data to explore conditions that may improve residents' satisfaction. Findings supported the construct validity of the LPS survey data and underscored the importance of maintaining optimal ratios of attending dentists, dental assistants, and administrative staff to residents so that each trainee will have opportunities to perform an adequate level of dental workload. As programs strive to improve the quality of graduate dental education, findings from this study are vital for setting curriculum design guidelines and for providing infrastructure support for dental resident education.

Students' perceptions of their education on graduation from a dental school in India

This study was conducted with the purpose of assessing students' perceived learning experience at the time of graduation from a dental school in India. The domains appraised were undergraduate curriculum, student motivation and support services, institutional infrastructure, administrative services, components of teaching-learning programs, confidence level in carrying out specific clinical procedures, career choice, and postgraduate specialty preference after graduation. The authors surveyed forty-five dental interns at the end of their undergraduate course, a 100 percent response rate from the class. The results showed that over 95 percent of the graduates were satisfied with the curriculum and 60 to 95 percent reported that the various components of the teaching-learning process were adequate. Only 42 percent of the students were confident about setting up a practice; 65 percent wished to take a course on general dentistry; and 86 percent wanted to pursue postgraduate study. The principal conclusions were that although the program was satisfactory to the majority of participants, some areas of concern were identified that need improvement.

Comparison of Australian and American orthodontic clinical approaches towards root resorption

AIMS

As part of The Rocky Mountain Travelling Fellowship, a pilot survey was conducted to assess current diagnostic and clinical approaches to the management of orthodontic patients in relation to root resorption.

METHODS

Groups comprising Australians (Sydney, New South Wales) and North Americans (Los Angeles, California), in two stages of their orthodontic careers (post-graduate orthodontic students from the University of Sydney and University of Southern California and qualified practising orthodontists) were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questions examined diagnosis and management approaches related to root resorption used in their clinical practice.

RESULTS

Replies demonstrated that there were differences in management depending on operator experience and the country of clinical practice. However, a summarised common approach to orthodontic root resorption comprised (1) the use of an orthopantomogram as a screening diagnostic tool, followed by periapical radiographs for those perceived as 'higher risk' patients, particularly individuals with a history of root resorption; (2) a six monthly radiographic review during treatment; (3) the use of light forces and/or rest periods (discontinuous forces) every two to three months; (4) the extraction of deciduous teeth if permanent successors were erupting ectopically and causing damage to adjacent root structures; and (5) the use of fixed retention after treatment.

CONCLUSION

This project was intended to initiate discussion and form a basis for further investigation into the clinical management of orthodontic root resorption.

A collaboration to enhance oral health care for survivors of domestic violence: women's domestic violence shelters and Nova Southeastern University's College of Dental Medicine

Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (NSU-CDM) has developed a program to educate its Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residents to provide oral health services to survivors of domestic violence. NSU-CDM worked in collaboration with three community-based sites in Florida's Dade and Broward counties that provide residential and outpatient services to women survivors of domestic violence. The educational program includes didactic instruction and clinical rotations utilizing portable dental equipment assembled at the community-based sites. The central element of the program was the establishment of a partnership between NSU-CDM and local community-based organizations that serve women who have experienced domestic violence. This collaboration enabled the school to involve a range of key stakeholders in program development and implementation and to successfully establish dental clinics at two shelter sites. In total, NSU-CDM provided dental care to over 250 women, and twenty AEGD residents completed both the didactic and clinical rotations of the domestic violence education program. Elements identified as being essential to successful collaborations between oral health clinics and shelter settings are described.

Implementation of a new advanced graduate education program in oral implantology

The academic program for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine's Advanced Graduate Program in Oral Implantology is based on scientific evidence applied to educational quality, translational research, patient care, and service. The objective of the program is to enable highly motivated individuals with proven scholarship and excellence in patient care to achieve academic leadership in the clinical and scientific fields of implant dentistry and tissue regeneration. A detailed curriculum describing the academic program, as well as a business plan (which included a management plan describing the organizational structure, financial implications, and market forces) and implementation and communication plans, were developed before moving forward. With careful academic and business planning, the result was a vibrant implant program, in which all placements and restorations of implants are coordinated with regard to practice management. The program is integrated into the existing clinical care model and has been financially self-sustaining from its inception. Six students have participated in the last two years. On average, each student performed seventy-nine procedures on twenty-nine patients, generating over $46,000 in production. The curriculum includes didactics, hands-on clinical learning, and research activities. Research is a critical component as well. The results demonstrate that the time taken to develop a detailed curriculum and business plan for a new academic program, which anticipated and resolved potential barriers to success, was instrumental in the successful implementation of an oral implantology residency program.

Dentistry and obesity: a review and current status in U.S. predoctoral dental education

Obesity has become an epidemic and a public health concern in the United States and many other countries around the world. The impact of obesity on individuals' overall and oral health and its influence on dental treatment protocols and postoperative procedures have been well documented. It is therefore important for dentists to understand and recognize obesity, educate their patients on its associated risks, promote a healthy lifestyle for their patients, and modify any necessary dental treatments and postoperative procedures for obese patients. To investigate the current practice of obesity assessment in U.S. dental school clinics and the inclusion of obesity topics in predoctoral dental curricula, surveys were sent to all sixty-two U.S. dental schools. Thirty-five surveys were returned but one was blank because the institution is newly established, so the total number used for analysis was thirty-four. The results showed that the topic of obesity has been incorporated into predoctoral dental curricula and is thought to be important for dentists and dental students by most respondents. However, the majority do not routinely measure weight and height, nor calculate Body Mass Index for comprehensive care patients in their predoctoral dental clinics. The authors argue that the topic of obesity should be emphasized in predoctoral dental curricula and that assessments of obesity should be practiced in predoctoral dental clinics.

Dental students' perceptions of dental specialties and factors influencing specialty and career choices

The goals of this study were to 1) evaluate dental students' perceptions of dental specialties, 2) identify factors that play an important role in students' decision to pursue specialty training or career choices, and 3) establish a baseline of students' perceptions of the dental fields with the best future in terms of salary, personal and patient quality of life, and overall impact on the dental profession. Surveys were distributed to 494 students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Data were collected from 380 traditional four-year students and thirty advanced standing students. Chi-square tests, multivariate analysis, and logistic regressions were used to determine associations and independent contributions of student demographics to their perceptions of dental specialties and factors influencing specialty training or career choices. Debt was a statistically significant factor (p<0.001) in choosing specialty training or career independent of gender, age, or class year. Enjoyment of providing care in a specialty or field was identified as the single most important factor in choosing a specialty career. Half of the respondents had decided not to specialize. Pursuing postdoctoral general dentistry training and private practice in general dentistry were the most commonly reported plans after completion of dental school. Suggestions are made for ways to inform students about specialty training.

A qualitative investigation of specialist orthodontists in New Zealand. Part 1. Orthodontists and orthodontic practice

BACKGROUND

Current knowledge of orthodontic practice is largely anecdotal and the lack of systematic knowledge can create barriers to better identifying the factors that make a successful orthodontist. The aim of this study was to investigate the routine practising lives of New Zealand orthodontists in order to generate an understanding of the reality of orthodontic specialist practice and its effects on their professional and personal lives.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted involving 19 practising orthodontists (four females, 15 males; mean age 50 years) throughout New Zealand.Transcribed interviews were analysed for themes using an applied grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

A core category of 'practising orthodontists' was derived, and related themes were grouped under the sub-categories of: (a) NZ orthodontic specialist practice; (b) NZ specialist orthodontists; and (c) work-life balance. The present paper reports on the first two subcategories. Themes elucidated under the specialist practice sub-category included modernisation, changing social norms, practice arrangement, branch practice, staffing, competition, legislation, advertising, the future and the provision of orthodontics by non-specialists. Themes in the orthodontic specialist sub-category were prior experience, postgraduate training, recent graduates, reasons for specialising, generational differences, females in orthodontics, NZ and overseas practice, the ageing profession and the prospect of an orthodontist shortage.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation has shed light on orthodontists and the practice of orthodontics in New Zealand and determined aspects rarely discussed in the current or previous literature. It will be valuable to observe how orthodontists and orthodontic practice continue to evolve in response to changes in NZ society.