Evaluation of undergraduate dental students self-perceived confidence level regarding endodontic procedures: A questionnaire survey

Abstract

Introduction: Students' perspectives regarding their educational experiences play an essential role in curriculum planning and to evaluate effectiveness of dental courses being taught. The current study was aimed to assess the undergraduate dental students' self-perceived confidence level while performing different stages of endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A 30-item e-questionnaire was sent to 96 4th and 5th year dental students. The students were requested to grade their self-confidence level regarding various stages of endodontic treatment. Moreover, questions related to endodontics discipline difficulty level and students' preferences of file systems were also asked. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The response rate was 94.8%. The students reported the highest confidence level for treating maxillary anterior teeth (4.39 ± 0.94) and the lowest confidence score was noted for maxillary molars (2.75 ± 1.00). Regarding different stages of endodontic treatment, students exhibited the highest confidence level for rubber dam placement (4.43 ± 0.70) while the lowest confidence was documented for managing inter-appointment flare-up (3.45 ± 0.92). A significant association was noted between the level of the academic year and stages of endodontic treatment for the items related to root canal obturation (P = 0.004) and restoration of endodontically treated teeth (P = 0.01). Considering various endodontic indications, 82.4% of the students were confident/very confident while treating the patients with irreversible pulpitis. Contrary to this, the students were least confident while managing the teeth with immature apices (16.5%). Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students exhibited higher confidence for performing different stages of basic endodontic treatment. Conversely, they reported lower confidence for carrying out more complex procedures.