Self-perceived preparedness of final year dental students in a developing country-A multi-institution study.

AIMS: To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness to practice of final year dental undergraduate students in three dental institutions.

METHODS: Dental undergraduate students in their final year from three dental institutions in Pakistan were invited to participate in an online study to assess self-perceived preparedness using a validated preparedness assessment scale.

RESULTS: In total, 134 students responded to the questionnaire yielding a response rate of 72%. Students felt adequately prepared to carry out several clinical procedures including clinical assessment, fillings, tooth extractions and communication skills. However, perceived preparedness was low in the students' ability to undertake intraoral radiographs, treatment planning, crowns, multirooted endodontics, research skills, referral for suspected oral cancer and raising concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour of colleagues.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which investigates the self-perceived preparedness of final year undergraduate dental students in Pakistan. The results show that the self-perceived preparedness of final year students was satisfactory for a range of clinical and affective skills. However, several areas of weaknesses were identified which underscore the need for additional training and consolidation.