Assessment of Confidence Level Among Interns of A Dental College in Performing Various Dental Procedures

Abstract

Introduction: Effectiveness of the learning process can be measured by evaluation of interns’ confidence level in each of the competencies which will be helpful in their future dental practice. This study was conducted to assess self-confidence level of dental interns of a dental college in performing various dental procedures.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 65 dental interns selected by census method. Self-administered questionnaire was provided to the study participants for assessment of their confidence level in different dental procedures. Data were analyzed in the Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 20. Mean and standard deviation for quantitative data and frequency/percentage for qualitative data were calculated.

Results: Majority of dental interns had good confidence in history taking (53, 83.1%), radiography (53, 81.5%), diagnosis (39, 60%), treatment planning (34, 52.3%), scaling (42, 64.6%), preventive resin restorations (39, 60%), anterior composite restorations (35, 53.8%), posterior composite restorations (55, 84.6%), anterior endodontics (29, 44.6%), premolar endodontics (23, 35.4%), treating pediatric patients (43, 66.2%), indirect pulp capping (41, 63.1%), acrylic partial denture design and construction (33, 50.8%) and simple extractions (33, 50.8%). They had poor/least confidence in metal partial dentures design and construction (58, 89.2), bridge preparation (44, 67.7%), molar endodontics (31, 47.7%), bleaching (57, 87.7%), veneering (61, 93.8%) and surgical extractions (38, 58.5%).

Conclusions: The findings of the study concluded that the dental interns were confident in simple dental procedures and had least confidence in complex dental treatments. They need more exposure to the complex procedures during internship to enhance their confidence level.