Key Points
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Provides an insight into the relationship between clinical experience and confidence in the new graduate.
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Highlights areas of clinical practice that a new graduate is most likely to feel least confident.
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Discusses the complexity of the relationship between competence and confidence and the link with clinical experience.
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Highlights the role of foundation training as a continuum of undergraduate education.
Abstract
Objective To investigate the self-reported confidence and preparedness of final year undergraduate students in undertaking a range of clinical procedures.
Methods A questionnaire was distributed to final year dental students at Cardiff University, six months prior to graduation. Respondents rated their confidence in undertaking 39 clinical procedures using a 5-point scale (1 = can undertake on own with confidence, 5 = unable to undertake). Students also responded yes/no to experiencing four difficulties and to three statements about general preparedness.
Results 71% (N = 51) responded of which 55% (N = 28) were female. Over half reported being 'anxious that the supervisor was not helping enough' (57%) and 'relying heavily on supervisor for help' (53%). Eighty percent 'felt unprepared for the clinical work presented' and gender differences were most notable here (male: 65% N = 33; females: 93% N = 47). Mean confidence scores were calculated for each clinical procedure (1 = lowest; 5 = highest). Confidence was highest in performing 'simple scale' and 'fissure sealant' (mean-score = 5). Lowest scores were reported for 'surgical extractions involving a flap (mean-score = 2.28)', 'simple surgical procedures' (mean-score = 2.58) and the 'design/fit/adjustment of orthodontic appliances' (mean-score = 2.88).
Conclusions As expected complex procedures that were least practised scored the lowest in overall mean confidence. Gender differences were noted in self-reported confidence for carrying out treatment unsupervised and feeling unprepared for clinical work.
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Gilmour, A., Welply, A., Cowpe, J. et al. The undergraduate preparation of dentists: Confidence levels of final year dental students at the School of Dentistry in Cardiff. Br Dent J 221, 349–354 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.686
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.686
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