Tooth extraction education at dental schools across Europe.

Henk S Brand,Henk S Brand,Jacques A Baart,Carlijn C J Van Der Cammen,Sophie M E Roorda

doi:10.1038/bdjopen.2015.2

Abstract

Objectives/Aims:To explore students’ opinion about theoretical and clinical training in tooth extraction at different European dental schools.Materials and Methods:An online questionnaire, containing 36 dichotomous, multiple choice and Likert scale rating questions, was distributed among students of 56 different dental schools. After excluding schools where <20 students responded, 656 questionnaires from 23 dental schools remained for statistical analysis.Results:Dental schools showed a wide variation in the initial practical teaching of tooth extraction, from years 2 to 6. Several schools used a preclinical training model, and most students considered this useful. Some students considered their knowledge about forceps and elevators insufficient (6–60%), as well as their preparation for complications (5–60%). Students usually had received education in forceps and elevator techniques. Inclusion of (non)surgical removal of retained roots and surgical removal of third molars showed a wide variety between dental schools. Less than half of the students reported education in surgical removal of impacted teeth. Students from four of the 23 dental schools felt insufficiently prepared in tooth extraction (Likert scale ⩽3).Conclusion:There is a wide variation among European dental schools in teaching programs of tooth extraction and the rating of these programs by students.

Highlights

Tooth extractions are frequently performed in the general dental practice
Forceps exodontia of teeth is established as a basic clinical skill for dental graduates
Tooth extractions are mentioned in competences 6.53 and 6.54, which state that a dentist must be competent at

Summary

Introduction

Tooth extractions are frequently performed in the general dental practice. During forceps exodontia, there is always the possibility of fracture of parts of the root and the necessity to start a surgical extraction. This means that graduating dentists must be competent in both surgical techniques. This is reflected in the current profile for the European dentist.. Tooth extractions are mentioned in competences 6.53 and 6.54, which state that a dentist must be competent at ‘performing uncomplicated extraction of erupted teeth’ and ‘performing surgery for the uncomplicated removal of fractured or retained roots and the removal of uncomplicated partially erupted teeth’ This is reflected in the current profile for the European dentist. Tooth extractions are mentioned in competences 6.53 and 6.54, which state that a dentist must be competent at ‘performing uncomplicated extraction of erupted teeth’ and ‘performing surgery for the uncomplicated removal of fractured or retained roots and the removal of uncomplicated partially erupted teeth’

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion