Students' performance in clinics and self-perceived Confidence in performing Endodontic procedures: A correlation study.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate undergraduate dental students' self-perceived confidence in carrying out Endodontic procedures and correlating it with their performance in Endodontic clinics.

METHODS

The correlational study was conducted on fifth year dental students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The self-perceived confidence of students was assessed by using Endodontic Self-Perceived Confidence Scale (ESCS). The students' endodontic clinical performance scores were obtained from the department head. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS-23.0. Descriptive statistics were recorded as percentages, frequencies, and mean. Chi-square test was used for gender-wise comparison of all items of ESCS, Student t-test was used for comparing means and Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized for exploring correlation.

RESULTS

Over all response rate was 91.8%. Students exhibited the highest confidence level for achieving rubber dam isolation (4.57±0.66) while the lowest confidence level was documented for the treatment of teeth with immature apices (2.82±0.95). The mean self-confidence score of male students on ESCS was higher than the female students (P-value=0.18). However, mean endodontic clinic score of female students was significantly higher than the male students (P-value=0.02). The insignificant correlation was noted between the students' mean confidence scores and endodontic clinical performance scores (P-value=0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

The insignificant correlation between self-perceived confidence and clinic scores raises significant caveats for utilizing the self-assessment in the aforementioned group. Hence, the students should be adequately trained in self-assessment to prepare them for lifetime learning. Additionally, clinical instructors by creating a supportive learning environment should help students to deal with their shortcomings.