Dental undergraduate students’ perception of the endodontic specialty

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perception and understanding of the endodontic specialty among dental students and newly graduated dentists at Ajman University/College of Dentistry. It also examined their satisfaction with preclinical training, the use of magnification in learning, and their interest in pursuing endodontics as a future career. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire with 20 multiple-choice questions was distributed to 540 dental students and interns. The questionnaire assessed participants’ satisfaction with preclinical training, confidence in treating patients, and the impact of magnification (specifically, dental operative microscope) on their learning experience. The survey also explored participants’ interest in pursuing endodontics as a career. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The study found that the majority of participants expressed high confidence in diagnosing and treating endodontic cases (83.5%). Perception did not significantly differ based on gender, level of study, teeth treated, or the experience of the supervising instructor (P < 0.00). Conclusion: Overall, Ajman University dental students and interns showed satisfactory perception of the endodontic specialty. The study highlights the importance of modifying the undergraduate dental curriculum to provide more preclinical training on extracted teeth, with a focus on working length determination and radiograph taking. These changes can help reduce stress associated with endodontic procedures, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance patient satisfaction.