Perceptions of dental undergraduates in India of a clinical induction program.

Arati Panchbhai

doi:10.3352/jeehp.2015.12.32

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the clinical induction program for dental undergraduates conducted at the DMIMS Deemed University, Sawangi-Meghe, India. Seventy-four third-year dental students who entered the clinical phase of the dental program in 2012 and attended all sessions of the clinical induction program were enrolled in this study. The students’ perceptions of the clinical induction program were assessed through a Likert-scale questionnaire, focus group discussions, and individual interviews. Seventy-two students (97.3%) responded positively about the program, evaluating it as successful and making a few suggestions. Fifty-four students (73.0%) stated that the clinical tours and visits to the departments were the best feature of the program. Nine students (12.2%) suggested that the program should include interaction with their immediate seniors and that interactive activities should be included in the program. The induction program may help students become acclimated during the first few days of being introduced into the clinical phase of their education. It is crucial to ensure that students do not develop a negative attitude towards their educational program by facilitating their smooth transition to the clinical phase.

Highlights

This study aimed to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the clinical induction program for dental undergraduates conducted at the DMIMS Deemed University, Sawangi-Meghe, India
This study explores the transition from the preclinical phase to the clinical phase in health education, and in particular, the clinical induction program that is generally provided when students first enter the clinical phase
The clinical induction program for dental undergraduates in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program of the DMIMS Deemed University, Sawangi-Meghe, India was planned for two days at the beginning of the third year, which is the first year of the clinical phase

Summary

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the clinical induction program for dental undergraduates conducted at the DMIMS Deemed University, Sawangi-Meghe, India. A questionnaire including closed-ended response questions (items 1-14) and open-ended response questions (items 15-22) was administered, and focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were analysed in terms of numerical responses to Likert-scale items, while qualitative data were obtained through open-ended questionnaire, FGDs, and interviews.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion