This is the first study which investigates the self-perceived preparedness of final year undergraduate dental students in Pakistan. The results show that the self-perceived preparedness of final year students was satisfactory for a range of clinical and affective skills. However, several areas of weaknesses were identified which underscore the need for additional training and consolidation.

Objective: To investigate the self-perceived competence of house-officers from three dental institutions in Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Islamabad Dental Hospital, Fatima Memorial Dental Hospital and Islamic International Dental Hospital, from Jan to Dec 2018. Methodology: House-officers from three dental institutions were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. A previously validated preparedness assessment scale was used to gauge the perceptions and experiences of the participants on a range of clinical, cognitive and affective skills. The results were compared to data from Dental Foundation Trainees in the UK. Results: In total 128 house-officers responded to the online questionnaire (18 participants were excluded due to missing data). All but four participants were in the 20-25 years age group (96.4%). The mean overall score of participants was 70/100 (SD ± 11.71). Self-perceived competence was reported to be low for clinical skills in radiography, crowns, cast-partial dentures and endodontics on multi-rooted teeth. Conclusions: This study investigated self-perceived competence amongst new graduates and provides information for comparison with data from Foundation Dentists in the UK. Pakistani House-Officers felt less prepared than Dental Foundation Trainees in 49/50 attributes. Several areas were identified where graduates from both countries may benefit from further education, training and consolidation. The findings may be of interest to dental educators and other stakeholders.Keywords: , , ,

Aim The aim of the study was to determine the value of the number of patient encounters and tooth extractions on the competence of final‐year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students. Methods Following ethics approval, the study employed purposive sampling to enrol final‐year BDS students and assess their competence longitudinally over a full academic year. Students were assessed periodically on four separate occasions after they had gained experience in performing 15, 40, 70 and 100 patient encounters involving tooth extractions. Results There were 177 students with complete profiles completing the tooth extraction assessments including 31 males (18%) and 146 females (82%). The age range of participants was 22 to 24 years (mean = 21.92; median = 22). The total number of assessment data points available for the four assessments was 1062. A chi‐squared test was carried out to test the hypothesis that competence in tooth extraction increases with increasing exposure to patients. Students in Group 100 were most likely to pass the competency, whilst students in Group 15 were most likely to fail. There was a statistically significant variation in the proportion of “Below Standard,” “Meets Standard” and “Exceeds Standard” judgements awarded to students with differing levels of prior experience (p < .001). Therefore, the hypothesis was accepted. Analysis of assessment results for differential performance of students by gender did not show significant differences. Conclusions The results of this study show a positive relationship between the number of tooth extractions performed and competence of final‐year dental students. Over 90% students achieved competence after performing 100 patient encounters. Although competence in tooth extractions showed a linear relationship with experience of the participants in this study, the data were collected from a single cohort of students at one institution. Further multi‐institution studies involving several cohorts are required to further explore the value of increased experience.

Purpose: To gain a deeper understanding of factors which contribute to development of competence in tooth extractions during undergraduate dental education.Methods: A qualitative approach was used to explore the perceptions and experiences of a range of stakeholders. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants which included undergraduate dental students, new graduates, dental academic staff, and clinical supervisors. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and data were imported into NVivo 12. Data were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach.Results: Two focus groups were conducted. Ten undergraduate students participated in the Student Focus Group while eight dental academics and clinical supervisors participated in the Staff Focus Group. Participants expressed their views on a range of issues related to teaching and training of tooth extractions. The key themes cantered on structured teaching underpinned by patient safety; focus on breadth of clinical experience; and constructive feedback to enhance reflective practice amongst students to enhance the learning experiences of students.Conclusions: This study provides useful insights into how undergraduate dental students develop competence in tooth extractions as perceived by the participants and may help dental educators to reflect of their teaching model.

Objectives: To investigate the quantitative impact of experience on competence in local anesthetic administration amongst final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students.Methods: A Longitudinal cohort study design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to enrol final year BDS students and assess their competence longitudinally over a full academic year. The assessment criteria and scoring structure were reviewed during inspection of the institution by the regulator and the external examiner. Participants were assessed on four occasions, namely, after they had gained experience in performing 15, 40, 70 and 100 patient encounters involving local anesthetic administration.Results: A total of 177 participants who were assessed including 31 males (18%) and 146 females (82%). Assessment of the participants on four occasions provided a total of 885 data points. A chi-square test was carried out to test the hypothesis. Students in Group 4 with over 100 patient encounters were most likely to pass assessment, while students in 1 with 15 patient encounters were most likely to fail. There was a statistically significant variation in the proportion of 'Below Standard', 'Meets Standard' and 'Exceeds Standard' judgements awarded to students with differing levels of prior experience (p <0.001), confirming the research hypothesis. Data on differential performance of students by gender did not show significant differences. Conclusions:The results of this study show a linear relationship between the number of patient encounters involving administration of local anesthesia and demonstration of competency amongst final year dental students. Over 90% students achieved competence after performing 100 patient encounters.