Predictability of dental students’ performance in clinical courses based on their performance in pre‐clinical and academic courses

Abstract

Objectives Some dental schools depend on the students’ academic performance for admission purposes. This research aimed at investigating the correlations between dental students’ performance in specific academic courses and their pre‐clinical and clinical counterparts and the correlations between students’ performance in the pre‐clinical practical courses and the clinical courses. Methods Academic and practical pre‐clinical and clinical grades were retrieved for 811 students who graduated from the School of Dentistry, the University of Jordan, between 2016 and 2018. Ten courses (five academic and five practical) were selected. Pearson's rho test was used to calculate the correlations between the courses. Results Statistically significant weak‐to‐moderate positive correlations were found between each academic course and its pre‐clinical or clinical counterparts and between pre‐clinical and clinical courses. A statistically significant positive moderate correlation (p < .001) was found between students’ performance in fourth and fifth year restorative clinics. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the academic performance could partially predict the practical performance in both the pre‐clinical and clinical courses and that the clinical performance could partially be predicted from the pre‐clinical practical performance. Moreover, students who can successfully perform the required clinical procedures in fourth year will successfully perform the required clinical procedures in fifth year. However, other confounding factors should be taken into consideration such as manual dexterity and artistic skills even though their intellectual abilities are average.

Dental student success: The predictive value of first‐year grades

“…The lack of relationship between first-year preclinical science GPA as well as firstyear preclinical laboratory GPA and overall clinical science GPA supports previous research indicating a lack of relationship between preclinical and clinical performance. 3,11 However, it is in contrast to previous research that suggests that clinical performance may be predicted by preclinical performance, 10 particularly in operative dentistry 7,9 and fixed prosthodontics. 7,8 Further investigations on the genesis of student success in the latter years of the predoctoral dental program are warranted.…”

“…In contemplating the factors impacting student success in clinical courses, non‐cognitive factors should be evaluated. Factors of intrinsic manual dexterity and artistic talent have been referenced in literature discussing the relationship between preclinical and clinical outcomes 10 . Other studies have suggested a further investigation into non‐cognitive predictors of success in the clinical arena, including intrinsic psychological factors such as motivation and skills that may be, to some degree, taught, such as communication skills 6 .…”

“…Factors of intrinsic manual dexterity and artistic talent have been referenced in literature discussing the relationship between preclinical and clinical outcomes. 10 Other studies have suggested a further investigation into non-cognitive predictors of success in the clinical arena, including intrinsic psychological factors such as motivation and skills that may be, to some degree, taught, such as communication skills. 6 Dental faculty have also identified student communication skills, preparedness, and professionalism as non-cognitive factors in their success in dental curricula.…”

“…9 Additionally, another study at an international dental school found a positive correlation between preclinical grades and outcomes in related clinical coursework for restorative dentistry and endodontics, but students' intrinsic manual dexterity and artistic skills were not accounted for in the analysis. 10 Conversely, an analysis of student outcomes at an international dental school did not find a significant relationship between scores on preclinical practicals and clinical scores. 11 Similarly, a study of preclinical and clinical outcomes at a US dental school found no significant relationship between students' preclinical performance on typodonts and clinical competency examination results for full crown preparation.…”

“…At a dental school in Jordan, a significant positive relationship was found between students’ carving grades in dental anatomy and clinical outcomes in operative dentistry coursework 9 . Additionally, another study at an international dental school found a positive correlation between preclinical grades and outcomes in related clinical coursework for restorative dentistry and endodontics, but students’ intrinsic manual dexterity and artistic skills were not accounted for in the analysis 10 …”