Appraisal of the Dental School Learning Environment: The Students’ View

Abstract

The majority of studies examining dental school curriculum have addressed organization, structure, and content issues from the perspectives of administrators, faculty, practitioners/alumni, and professional organizations. However, few studies have focused on students' opinions of dental school. The purpose of this study was to determine students' perceptions of the learning environment, intellectual climate, and teacher-student relationships in dental school. This report describes how the "dental version" of the Medical Student Learning Environment Survey (MSLES) was used to identify students' perceptions of their dental education. Freshman and junior dental students' perceptions were measured with the Dental Student Learning Environment Survey (DSLES), which evaluates learning environment, intellectual climate, and relationships among students and teachers in seven areas: flexibility, student-to-student interaction, emotional climate, supportiveness, meaningful experience, organization, and breadth of interest. The DSLES was mailed to twenty-three dental schools in North America with eighteen of the schools distributing the inventory. A total of 619 dental students responded. Results were differentiated between freshman and junior dental students. Both freshman and junior students provided the highest (most positive) ratings for the DSLES subscales of "breadth of interest" (interest in dentistry and outside interests are encouraged) and "meaningful learning experience" (significance of courses to dentistry). Freshman students provided the lowest (least positive) ratings for "emotional climate" (students' responses to the way their courses were conducted and stress levels), and junior students provided the least positive ratings for "faculty supportiveness" (extent of faculty support and encouragement provided to students). The DSLES identified students' perceptions of their educational experience and localized areas for improvement. By addressing these areas of concern, faculty can increase student satisfaction with their dental education.

Expected qualities of a lecturer: perceptions of medical students in a remote setting

“…When compared to previous studies, such as those of Henzi et al (2005) and Jahangiri & Mucciolo (2008), the needs and desires of our students are similar to previous research. Our results parallel that of Henzi et al (2005) regarding issues of faculty supportiveness, and when compared to Jahangiri's study (2008), the request for highly trained lecturers and concerns about speaking style are analogous.…”

“…When compared to previous studies, such as those of Henzi et al (2005) and Jahangiri & Mucciolo (2008), the needs and desires of our students are similar to previous research. Our results parallel that of Henzi et al (2005) regarding issues of faculty supportiveness, and when compared to Jahangiri's study (2008), the request for highly trained lecturers and concerns about speaking style are analogous. While many of our findings do parallel those of previous studies, some are unique to universities in a low-resource setting, and may provide explanations to the problems that other newly established, publicly funded medical schools in developing countries may face at the embryonic stage.…”

“…Student perceptions on qualities of lecturer are well documented and framework for analysis is already available in the literature (Henzi et al, 2005). We commenced with inductive data analysis from the raw data using direct qualitative content analysis (Zhang & Wildemuth, 2009).…”

“…According to Henzi, -Students are the group affected the most by their education, but oftentimes they feel they have the least amount of input for change‖ (Henzi et al, 2005). Studies that look at student's perceptions of their education attempt to combat the notion in this statement by taking into account student wants and needs in order to improve the educational system are always welcome.…”

A study of dental students' clinical knowledge acquisition and experiences in conscious sedation

“…12 However, in comparison to other health professions, relatively few studies have focused on dental student learning experiences. 1,22,23 • Describes a pilot study which provides an insight into students' experiences in intravenous sedation during a clinical attachment.…”