The confidence of undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia in performing endodontic treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: This study examined the endodontic experience, perceptions of endodontic practice, and self-rated confidence of dental students enrolled in Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 41 undergraduate dental students registered in endodontic courses in the 2015 academic year. The questionnaire evaluated their confidence performing nonsurgical root canal treatment. The level of confidence was classified using a 5-point scale as “very confident,” “confident,” “neutral,” “not very confident,” or “not at all confident.” The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The participation rate was 93%. The maxillary incisor was the most common first tooth treated. The students were relatively confident, but their confidence levels were lower regarding endodontic radiology, evaluation of root canal obturation, and determining the correct recall period for the patient. Conclusion: The confidence of undergraduates in endodontics must be enhanced to increase their clinical competence when performing root canal treatment.