Self-confidence and academic performance in hybrid clinical dentistry

Abstract

Transitioning to remote learning and lack of direct engagement with patients in the advent of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 radically affected the teaching style and clinical training in dental schools, potentially affecting students' clinical abilities and their confidence in providing dental procedures on real-life situations. This study aimed to assess the self-confidence and academic performance of the dental students. More specifically, it aimed to present the profile of the respondents according to sex, year level and academic performance on their professional subjects during the second semester, SY 2021-2022 based on their general weighted average; determine self-confidence level in performing dental procedures in restorative dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics and oral surgery; test the significant relationship between self-confidence level and academic performance; and propose an action plan based on the findings of the study. Descriptive method of research was used to evaluate the self-confidence of the Dentistry students using a survey instrument. The results revealed that majority of the Dentistry students were female, fourth year students, with good general weighted average (1.75-2.00). The students have moderate self-confidence level in performing dental procedures in restorative dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics and oral surgery. Males have higher confidence than females in performing periodontic procedures. Fourth year students have higher confidence than third year in performing endodontic, prosthodontic and periodontic procedures. Those who got better GWAs (below 2.25), have higher confidence in performing oral surgery than those who got poorer GWAs (2.25 & higher). Action plan was proposed to improve self-confidence and academic performance of students in Clinical Dentistry.