Is the dental clinical learning environment suitable? A survey of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical learning environment in dental institutes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

METHODS: The multi-centre cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to May 2017, and comprised students of three institutes affiliated with three different universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. These included the public-sector Khyber Medical University and two in the private sector: Gandhara University and Riphah International University. A validated Dental Clinical Learning Environment Instrument was distributed among the undergraduate and postgraduate students who were asked to record their perceptions using a six-item Likert scale. Data was analysed using non-parametric statistics.

RESULTS: Of the 700 students approached, 553(79%) responded. Of them, 345(62.4%) were females. The mean score for the public-sector institute was 56.69% ± 26.88 (moderate) and 60.53% ± 27.94 (borderline-good) and 62.76% ± 26.02 (borderline-good) for the two private institutes respectively. Clinical teachers were significantly more approachable in private than public sector (p<0.05). The participants from public-sector institute reported lack of vigour, infrastructure, clinical resources and research opportunities. Those from the private sector felt more satisfied and confident about their clinical training but reported having patients for their appointments as a challenge. There were significant differences among those having different gender and levels of training (p<0.05). All participants found clinical seminars helpful.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical learning environment was slightly positive than negative but borderline. The students from private institutes had higher satisfaction than those in public..