Assessment of dental undergraduates confidence in undertaking minor oral surgery procedures

Background: The GDC surveyed new dental graduates undertaking dental foundation training/vocational training (DFT/VT) in 2018. They were asked how well undergraduate training had prepared them in a range of areas based on the GDC learning outcomes. The 2018 GDC Survey results indicated that the QUB cohort were less confident than their peer group in undertaking minor oral surgery procedures. This appeared to contradict the longitudinal assessment scores (Liftupp) which confirmed that they were able to undertake a range of minor oral surgery procedures independently. In response to this, a one day didactic revision course was developed which took place in the final term of fifth year.
Aim: To assess the confidence of final year dental students to assess and manage oral surgery cases, including complications, as a safe beginner.
Methods: A questionnaire was completed by the final year dental students before and after the minor oral surgery revision course. They were asked to assess themselves on a scale ranging from not confident at all to extremely confident in assessing and managing a range of minor oral surgery procedures and complications.
Results: Pre-course scores indicated 42.8% of students were not at all or slightly confident and 57.2% felt moderately, very, or extremely confident in their ability to undertake these tasks.
Post-course 1.4% of students felt not at all or slightly confident with 98.6% feeling moderately, very, or extremely confident in their ability.
Conclusions: The course was valuable in increasing the self-assessed confidence of fifth year dental students in their ability to assess and carry out minor oral surgery procedures. This information would be beneficial for them to share with their Dental Foundation Trainer as part of their GDC Transitional Document.