Explanation and assessment the minimum training needs for dental students to provide dental care

Abstract

Background: Given that in recent years, the pattern of oral disease control has changed from a treatment-oriented to a prevention-oriented approach, so the first step in prevention is to assess the current situation. On the other hand, statistical research is always needed to evaluate the results of prevention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explain and evaluate the minimum training competencies required for dental students to provide dental care at the University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this study, dental students of medical universities of the country were examined. First, by reviewing the texts of previous studies and then using the opinions of faculty members, students and officials in the field of dental education, the minimum required competencies were identified and the results were extracted in the form of classified data. The above items were combined and a questionnaire on the Likert scale (5 points) was designed. Then, its validity and reliability were reviewed and approved by 10 faculty members of the School of Dentistry and provided to the students. IBM SPSS STATISTICS software version 24 was used for data analysis. The p-value value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Analysis of the findings of the present study showed that the majority of items received acceptable scores from students. As in the questions of the clinical field, out of 14 questions, in 12 questions, in the field of individual skills, out of 14 questions, in 11 questions, in the field of health-prevention, in all 6 questions, in the field of religion-culture, only in one Question out of three questions, in the field of professional ethics out of 9 questions, in 8 questions, more than 60% of students completely agreed. Conclusion: The final result shows that all the educational competencies extracted from the study as the theme and sub-themes are acceptable by the participants. These competencies are essential for dental students to provide dental care and they should acquire and improve these competencies during their studies and even for life.