Assessment of clinical ability in the removal of teeth among undergraduate dental students: a longitudinal comparative study

Publication date: Available online 12 October 2018

Source: British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): O.W. Majid

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical ability of undergraduate students to remove teeth, we have developed a new, structured, and objective assessment scale including 11 items that measure the various skills required on a visual analogue scale (VAS). We did a pilot study to validate the new format and included 10 students, each one of whom was rated by three examiners. The assessment form was then used to evaluate the ability of students taking teeth out throughout the academic year 2017–2018. Results showed high inter-examiner reliability, significant correlation of mean scores (p < 0.001), and high internal validity of the assessment form (Cronbach's α from 0.8257 to 0.9191). A total of 340 extractions were assessed (228 by fifth-year, and 112 by fourth-year, students). In addition, 73 students (47 fifth-year, and 26 fourth-year) were assessed halfway through the year and at their final examinations. The fail/pass rate was (64/164) for the fifth year students, and (43/69) for the fourth year students, with no significant difference between them (chi squared 3.719; p = 0.054). Fifth-year students had significantly higher mean scores than fourth-year students in the subscales "use of the elevator" and "confidence" (p = 0.004 and 0.003 respectively). Both groups showed significant improvement in their mean scores between the mid-term and final examinations (p = 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). The newly developed VAS-based format for assessing the removal of teeth offered an objective, standardised, and feasible method for assessment of clinical skills of undergraduate students for both formative and summative purposes.

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