EVALUATING THE STUDENTS' S SELF- CONFIDENCE LEVELS IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY OF UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS AT ADHIPARASAKTHI DENTAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

Abstract

The study aims to analyse whether students' self-assessments of skills in oral and maxillofacial surgery are dependable predictors of the clinical facets of the dental academy's and institute's strengths and weaknesses. Their confidence levels with performing basic dentoalveolar procedures and the correlation between the scholars' degree of confidence and the quantitative exposure of dental extraction during clinical practise Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur, using a questionnaire to assess students' self-confidence in performing oral surgery. Google Forms was used to import survey questions. It was then sent to the final-year students and interns of the college. A total of 10 questions having five alternatives for answers on a Liker scale was framed and distributed. Following data collection, the data was organised and analysed in SPSS software. Results: An aggregate of 112 questionnaires were filled by dental scholars. The participants in majority revealed that they have sufficient skills to take over independent practice (45.5%).The basic components of the questionnaire were answered appreciatively, except for the surgical extraction of teeth and suturing that followed and minor oral surgical procedures, in which both groups stated a lower level of self-confidence. Conclusion: The poll results showed how comfortable the students were conducting fundamental oral surgery operations on their own and in independent practice. In addition to simple extractions, they were also evaluated for confidence levels in performing root extraction using elevators and forceps, clinical diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders. Students also demonstrated competence in controlling haemorrhage from a socket. They acknowledged that doing surgeries made them feel confident.