Comparing Integrated and Disciplinary Clinical Training Patterns for Dental Interns: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Effect on Students’ Self-Confidence

Comparing traditional and comprehensive clinical training methods in dental education: a study of students' self-confidence and clinical performance

Aim To compare students' self-confidence levels and clinical performance scores between traditional and comprehensive clinical training methods in dental schools in India.Methods A snowball sampling of undergraduate dental students who had completed their final year during 2021-2022 was undertaken. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to investigate students' self-confidence in performing 35 clinical procedures on a 5-point Likert scale. Additionally, the clinical performance score in external practical assessment during final year was assessed to correlate the self-confidence levels with traditional and comprehensive clinical training methods.Results Students reported a higher level of self-confidence trained under the comprehensive (3.41 ± 0.40) compared with the traditional method (3.07 ± 0.50) (p <0.05). Interestingly, the median clinical performance score was higher for students using the traditional method (2.88) than for those using the comprehensive method (2.44); however, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.460). The correlation between self-confidence and clinical performance scores was strongly positive (r = 0.521).Conclusion This study concluded that both traditional and comprehensive clinical training methods have strengths and weaknesses. Combining these two methods could improve clinical training in India.

Education curriculum for surgical interns that improves stress management and grit levels

INTRODUCTION

Overwhelming stress or burnout has been observed in medical students, including 69% of surgical interns. This study aimed to assess the stress levels of fifth-year medical students during surgical training. An education curriculum with both clinical and research sessions was evaluated for its effect on the interns' stress and grit levels.

METHOD

A blinded, prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an educational program on the recognition and management of stress. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to assess anxiety. The Grit Scale was used to quantify the interns' grit, conscientiousness, and self-control.

RESULTS

The STAI survey results showed that the STAI state scores but not the trait scores were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the postintervention STAI score and the change in the STAI score were both lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in grit among the medical students in the intervention group from baseline to post-intervention (p < 0.001). The scores of the consistency and perseverance subscales of the Grit Scale also increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The education curriculum can improve interns' stress management and grit levels. We believe this curriculum needs to be implemented in medical education, and we plan to continue the program.

Motivations and future plans of the final year students in a Chinese dental school

BACKGROUND

Understanding dental students' future career choice and motivation could provide beneficial references for both educators and students, but there were few studies on students in a Chinese dental school. The study aimed to investigate Chinese final year dental students' the short-term and long-term plans, motivations, and identify the influence of gender on the future plans.

METHODS

A total of 265 final year dental school students of the School of Stomatology, China Medical University from 2016 through 2020 were invited to complete an anonymous, 27-item questionnaire. Moreover, almost all of questions were in multiple-choice formats. Data were categorized and analysed using chi-square comparative analyses.

RESULTS

88.3% of respondents decided to pursue a graduate degree after graduating from dental school. Moreover, the single most important reason influencing their plans was "eligible for better jobs" (42.8%). More females than males studied dentistry (222 vs 111), and gender had an influence on the choice of specialty.

CONCLUSIONS

This study listed the selection tendency and influencing factors of students in a Chinese dental school for the reference of educators and students. And the results could raise some useful influence and feedback effect on current health and education policy, and on the career development of practicing dentists or dental students.

Dental Student Perspectives of a Comprehensive-Based Teaching Methodology: A Confidence, Effectiveness, and Challenge Report

Background/Objectives. The holistic methodology in education has been widely appreciated and implicated in dental schools in the last decade. Our department of conservative dentistry decided to reform the educational model of teaching from a traditional requirement-based model to a hybrid model incorporating comprehensive care treatment. The aim of our study was to assess students' confidence and perspectives regarding the benefits of a comprehensive model of teaching. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire was distributed at the end of the academic year 2018-2019 and designed to investigate students' opinions on the benefits of the new model of teaching, as well as difficulties encountered and possible shortcomings. In addition, self-perceived confidence level was assessed for the purpose of comparing confidence during supervised tasks versus confidence during comprehensive patient care. Results. Complete responses were gathered from 127 students out of 202, giving a response rate of 63%. The majority of students believed that the comprehensive model of teaching allowed them to better address patients' needs, gave higher satisfaction, positively influenced self-confidence, permitted greater exposure to clinical techniques, and enhanced reasoning and analytical skills. However, their confidence was still lower in comprehensive patient management when compared to supervised tasks. Conclusion. Our students showed an appreciation of the comprehensive care model. Self-learning and didactic skills were enhanced. It would, therefore, be beneficial to adapt this methodology to earlier years and other disciplines to enhance the effectiveness of education and achievement of learning outcomes.

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

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. G1 showed 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.

CONCLUSION

The participants' anxiety diminishes as they gain more experience in performing endodontic procedures. However, as they approach the end of the course anxiety levels increase. Greater availability of elective courses in endodontics could be a valuable alternative to provide students with more exposure to and experience with these procedures.