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Undergraduate endodontic teaching in N ew Z ealand: Students’ experience, perceptions and self‐confidence levels
Author(s) -
Murray Colleen M.,
Chandler Nicholas P.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australian endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.703
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1747-4477
pISSN - 1329-1947
DOI - 10.1111/aej.12084
Subject(s) - endodontics , dentistry , perception , self confidence , psychology , medical education , confidence interval , medicine , orthodontics , social psychology , neuroscience
The aim was to investigate undergraduate students’ experiences, perceptions of future practice and self‐rated confidence levels across endodontic tasks. After ethical approval, a survey involved all fourth and fifth year students. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS version 20.0. Qualitative data were analysed using a general inductive approach. The participation rate was 84% ( n = 136 of 162). The mean number of canals completed was 2.6 by fourth years and 10.4 by fifth years. Maxillary premolars were the most common first tooth treated. Pulpal factors and root morphology were the most common reasons for experiencing difficulty. Self‐rated confidence levels were lower for the more junior students and complex procedures. Students felt that an increased use of extracted natural teeth would be beneficial in their pre‐clinical practice. A high level of interest was shown in future specialisation in endodontics. Students may benefit from further didactic teaching or pre‐clinical instruction in selected topics.