Students’ performance in clinics and self-perceived Confidence in performing Endodontic procedures: A correlation study

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate undergraduate dental students’ self-perceived confidence in carrying out Endodontic procedures and correlating it with their performance in Endodontic clinics.

Methods: The correlational study was conducted on fifth year dental students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The self-perceived confidence of students was assessed by using Endodontic Self-Perceived Confidence Scale (ESCS). The students’ endodontic clinical performance scores were obtained from the department head. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS-23.0. Descriptive statistics were recorded as percentages, frequencies, and mean. Chi-square test was used for gender-wise comparison of all items of ESCS, Student t-test was used for comparing means and Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized for exploring correlation.

Results: Over all response rate was 91.8%. Students exhibited the highest confidence level for achieving rubber dam isolation (4.57±0.66) while the lowest confidence level was documented for the treatment of teeth with immature apices (2.82±0.95). The mean self-confidence score of male students on ESCS was higher than the female students (P-value=0.18). However, mean endodontic clinic score of female students was significantly higher than the male students (P-value=0.02). The insignificant correlation was noted between the students’ mean confidence scores and endodontic clinical performance scores (P-value=0.82).

Conclusions: The insignificant correlation between self-perceived confidence and clinic scores raises significant caveats for utilizing the self-assessment in the aforementioned group. Hence, the students should be adequately trained in self-assessment to prepare them for lifetime learning. Additionally, clinical instructors by creating a supportive learning environment should help students to deal with their shortcomings.