Perception of Students Towards the Climate of Professionalism in the Dental Colleges of the Twin Cities in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this research was to assess dental students' opinions on professionalism teaching and behaviors in their clinical experience during their student years in order to improve the establishment of a curriculum in professionalism for dental students in the Twin Cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.
 Materials and Methodology: The cross-sectional cohort questionnaire-based study assessed 3rd and 4th year BDS students' professionalism using a "Climate of Professionalism" survey over a 6-month period. In the first section, students evaluated the frequency of 11 clinical behaviors as "rarely," "occasionally," or "mostly." The second section gathered feedback on 10 professional behaviors taught by instructors, scored as 1, 2, or 3. Demographic data like mean age, year percentages, and gender ratio were collected. Descriptive analysis was conducted. Total scores for all participants were added and the responses were compared between 3rd and 4th-year students, and significance was set at p < 0.05.
 Results: For each academic year, the mean total scores of participants' assessments of the professional conduct of dental students, residents, and professors were close to 70% of the total maximum score. The mean overall scores of participants who evaluated the professionalism of faculty members' teaching and modeling behaviors were almost 80% of the maximum score of 30. Comparing results with studies worldwide, the ratings fared similar to peer researches.
 Conclusion: The study highlights the current state of professionalism in the dental teaching institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Positive ratings, at 70% and 80%, reveal opportunities for further analysis and potential nationwide research. These findings suggest alignment with global professionalism trends thus facilitating the establishment of a standardized professional culture, improving patient responses, and strengthening trust between practitioners and patients.