Showing 19 results for Education
B. Eftekhar ,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (1-2004)
Abstract
The use of root canal models in endodontics education is of high importance. So, in this article a new method is presented that the students can produce these models with simple and low cost instruments.These plastic models are made of polyester which is low cost, available and has the approximate cutting properties of dentin. The best molds were disposable syringes due to their low cost, availability and producing smooth surfaces on polyester models. A spreader with desired curve and tapering is used for producing canals. Rockwell A hardness coefficient of polyester is "33", which is near dentin "31" and foreign made models "35.5". Since these polyester models can tolerate up to 280°C and have acceptable resistance to chloroform, all root canal therapy techniques such as vertical condensation and retreatments are practicable. Their transparency encourage the students to work on them. As a result, the use of these models is recommended for endodontics training.
A. Ebadifar , Mr. Mohammadi , N. Valaee ,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (1-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Compared to the information about educational responsibilities, there is not much information about the research skills and activities of the academics in dental schools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the research performance of the academic staff of the dental schools and their educational needs to promote their research skills.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done by mailing a questionnaire to all of the members of Iran dental faculties. The questionnaires contained personal information like age, sex, place of employment, educational records, and additional questions like the workshops previously attended, and interests to attend certain workshops. To evaluate the research performance of the academic staff, the number of accomplished researches, the articles published in known national and international journals, their skills in using internet, and the number of attended workshops about research methodology were included in the questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were gathered and evaluated by descriptive statistics.
Results: From the questionnaires gathered, 436 were eligible to be included in the study, which formed 58% of the academic staff of dental schools. The results showed that 7.4% of the staff had more than 10 researches conducted, 15% had 5-10, 49.9% had less than 5, and 27.7 had no researches done. Considering the articles published in known national journals, 28.2% had no papers, 51.8% had 1-5 papers, and 20% had more than 5 papers. Regarding the number of articles published in known international journals, 77.5% had no papers, and 20.2% had 1-3, and 2.3% and more than 3 papers. The "preliminary research methods" workshop had the highest percent of participation (71.6%), and "Stata acquaintance" workshop had the least (0.7%). The participants were mainly interested to participate in three workshops, "English scientific writing" (26.3%), "principles of scientific writing" (17.5%), and preparing research proposals" (16.2%), respectively.
Conclusion: We concluded that the research skills and performance of the academic staff, though improved in the recent years, is still unsatisfying. In order to promote it, it is recommended to organize workshops about "research methodology", "scientific writing" and "preparing of proposals"
A. Pakdaman, Y. Soleimani Shayesteh, Mj. Kharazi Fard, R. Kabosi,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Evaluation is a continuous process which is necessary for improvement of students learning and planning for required changes to obtain the educational objectives. The aim of the present study was to assess students' perspective on the achievement of the educational objectives of the Community Oral Health and Periodontology Departments using the CIPP model of evaluation.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey has been conducted using a questionnaire consists of four domains as introduced in the CIPP model of evaluation (Context, Input, Process and Product). Two groups of senior dental students of the dental school of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were approached. Data was collected anonymously and was analyzed with non-parametric Mann-Whitney test using the SPSS statistical package.
Results: The response rate was 67.7% for year 6 and 87.5% for the year 5 students. Respondents considered material presented in Periodontology Department more relevant and in need for their future career. However, teaching skills and motivation of the educators in Periodontology Department was considered inadequate. 67% of students reported having problem with material taught in Periodontology Department. Overall, significant difference in domains of Context and Process was observed between two departments (p<0.05). In the output domain students rated their clinical and theoretical ability "weak" in relation to splint, implant, management of acute gingivitis and electrosurgery compared with other topics which rated "good". Students considered their ability in using the principals of Evidence-Based Dentistry moderate.
Conclusion: The evaluation of the educational achievements of the two departments (COH and Periodontics) using CIPP model of evaluation showed that there is significant difference in two domains (Context and Process). In those topics which achievement was reported weak the revision of teaching methods is recommended.
Key Words: Education dental Program evaluation Self-evaluation
Simin Zahra Mohebbi, Mehri Esfandiyar,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (1-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Evaluation of the training is a principle for successful education. This study evaluated the effect of the theoretical course of community oral health on knowledge, attitude and self-reported practice of preventive dentistry in dental students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and assessed the students' satisfaction from the course.
Materials and Methods: The intervention group comprised the forth-year students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dental School and the controls were the forth year students of Shahid Beheshti Medical University. The questionnaire included questions on backgrounds, knowledge, attitude and practice of students towards preventive dentistry, and students' satisfaction from the course. The intervention was 17 weekly sessions (hours) of the community oral health course. The sum of scores for questions on backgrounds, knowledge, attitude and practice were calculated and changes were analyzed by General Linear Model.
Results: The mean baseline knowledge score in the intervention group was 16.9 (SD=4.0) and for the control group 16.3 (SD=3.5). Corresponding figures were 23.7 (SD=3.4) and 17 (SD=3.3) after intervention. General linear model showed the intervention to be successful in increasing the students' knowledge scores on preventive dentistry (P<0.0001). Most students (92%) were satisfied with learning several new items during the course.
Conclusion: The students' knowledge was successfully increased by passing the theoretical course of community oral health delivered by teacher-centered method of lecture. Student-centered methods may help in changing the students' attitude and practice of preventive dentistry.
Mohamad Reza Khami, Ensieh Akhgari, Anahita Moscowchi, Reza Yazdani, Simin Zahra Mohebbi, Afsaneh Pakdaman, Samane Razeghi,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (4-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate self-perceived need to learn practice management and self reported knowledge in this regard among dentists.
Materials and Methods: A group of five academic staff members of Community Oral Health Department (Tehran Dental School) and four dentists formed an expert panel to develop the content of the course. This group developed a list of topics related to principles of successful dental practice. To investigate the necessity of educating the topics and self-assessed knowledge of the topics, a questionnaire was designed and administered to 55 volunteer dentists. Forty six dentists completed the questionnaire. T-test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analyses.
Results: Totally more than two-third of the dentists believed that a huge need exists for education of all the topics. The corresponded figure for such topics as ergonomics and medical emergencies was about 90%. About 80% of the dentists felt that they had a vast knowledge of safety and infection control. On the other hand, 54.3% of them reported weak knowledge regarding professional rules and regulations. Self-reported educational need and knowledge of the dentists did not show significant association with their age, gender, and work experience
(P>0.05).
Conclusion: The dentists believed in the necessity of educating such topics and evaluated their knowledge as deficient in these areas. This shows the necessity of developing courses on these topics.
Simin Zahra Mohebbi, Reza Yazdani, Seyedeh Tahereh Mirmolaei, Zeinab Tartar, Atoosa Janeshin,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aims : As midwives are in frequent contact with pregnant mothers, they may play a key role in their oral health care (OHC). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational program on Tehran University of Medical Sciences midwifery students’ knowledge and preparedness on OHC in pregnant mothers. Materials and Methods: The midwifery third year students of central campus (n=29) were randomly selected as intervention group and their counterparts in Hemmat campus (n=33) as control. Students in both groups were asked to fill in a questionnaire included 8 demographic question and 18 OHC knowledge and one question on their preparedness to implement OHC. Then the educational intervention was implemented using lecture, demonstration of the correct methods of brushing and flossing on the models and role play method. The follow- up questionnaire was delivered 3 months later. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test, T-test, Chi-Square test, ANOVA and Regression by SPSS software.
Results: The mean OHC in pregnancy knowledge score in intervention and control group were 26.7 and 24.8 at baseline which were changed into 48.5 and 29.1, respectively (P<0.001). Among the students 52.6% in the intervention group and 36.4% in the control group reported very high preparedness to implement OHC in pregnancy. These figures were 68.2% and 41.7% in the post-test.
Conclusion: The promising findings of this educational intervention comprising of both student and teacher-centered methods speak for possibility of improving these students knowledge and preparedness and implies on the necessity to incorporate the related course in midwifery education.
Mohamadreza Khami, Arezo Ebne Ahmadi, Mina Ahmadian, Samaneh Razeghi, Reza Yazdani,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Tobacco kills 5 million people worldwide annually, according to the Health Ministry reaches this number is about 70,000 people a year in Iran. Dental professionals are in a unique position to promote smoking cessation due to the opportunity for regular interaction with their patients. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and skills of dental students at Tehran and Shahid Beheshti dental schools towards tobacco cessation counseling in dental office.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the target group was dental students at Tehran and Shahid Beheshti dental schools, and the sampling method was census. A questionnaire on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills towards tobacco cessation counseling in dental practice was administered to the students (n=93). Data were analyzed using T-test.
Results: The response rate was 100% (93 students participate in this program and all of them filled the questionnaire). The average score of knowledge at Tehran and Shahid Beheshti dental schools was 17.5 and 18.4, respectively (P=0.09), the average score of attitudes was 33.5 and 33.1, respectively (P=0.80). There were no significant differences between the two dental schools in these parts. The average score of skill was 11.9 and 16.6, respectively. The differences between the students of two dental schools in skill were significant (P=0.002).
Conclusion: Although the attitude of dental students at Tehran and Shahid Beheshti schools towards tobacco cessation counseling seemed to be fair, some deficiencies existed in their knowledge and skill. Dental education programs should be implemented properly in this field.
Motlagh Mehdi Ghandehari , Pourhashemi Seyyed Jalal , Ghadimi Sara , Baghae Farideh ,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental environment is a stressful place for children. In many cases, parents transmit their anxiety to their children in the first dental visit. Mothers as the closest person to the children may have important influence on their children’s behavior in dentistry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational pamphlet for mothers on children’s behavior in the first dental visit.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 238 mothers who had 3-7 years old children undergoing dental treatment for the first time. The participants were divided into interventional and control group randomly. Behavior of children was assessed by questionnaire according to 4 point scale of Frankle. The questionnaire contained 5 parts: separation of child from the mother, entering the dental room, opening the mouth, communicating with dentist, getting the prize. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test.
Results: The educational pamphlet was effective on the separation of child from the mother, the cooperation of children in interventional group was better than the control group (P=0.006). In interventional group 96.2% of and in the control group 90.8% of children had good and very good behavior but the difference was not significant (P=0.11).
Conclusion: Although the educational pamphlet was effective on the separation of child from mother. No significant difference in behavior of 3-7 year-old children between interventional and control group was found.
Esa Mohamadi Zeidi, Amir Pakpor Pakpour Haji Agha, Asghar Karbord, Banafshe Mohamadi Zeidi,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (7-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Constant contact with dentists, the ability to diagnose early effects of tobacco use on oral health and general health has made the dental clinics to the appropriate place to provide smoking cessation counseling. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention using Trans Theoretical Model (TTM) on the smoking cessation in patients attending dental clinics.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study conducted in 2013. 40 patients in the experimental and control groups were completed self-administered questionnaire including general and demographic questions, change questionnaire stages, change scale processes, smoking cessation self-efficacy scale, decisional balance scale before and 6 after months educational program. The experimental group received two training sessions through group discussion for 60 minutes. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, independent T-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: In terms of the patients distribution in the change stages (pre-contemplation, contemplation and preparation), there was no significant difference between the experimental (22.5, 35, 42.5%) and control groups (27.5, 35, 37.5%) before intervention (P = 0.55). However, 10 and 20 percent of patients in the experimental group was reported action and maintenance stage regarding smoking cessation after intervention (P<0.001). Results showed a significant increase in the mean score of experimental process of change, behavioral process of change, proc and self efficacy (P<0.001). Also, the mean score of cons constructs decreased significantly after education in the experimental group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Results indicated that the educational intervention using the TTM to increase the patients' smoking cessation rate was effective. Therefore, it is recommended that dentists have to become more familiar with TTM frameworks for smoking cessation.
Arash Mansourian, Shiva Shirazian, Mohammad Jalili, Mehdi Vatanpour, Leila Pour Momen Arabi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The objective of this study was the development of a checklist for assessment of students’ clinical skills in the clinical oral medicine. The second aim was the assessment of stake holders’ satisfaction of this checklist in comparison to the routine global rating method.
Materials and Methods: The checklist was developed in an expert panel sessions and the validity and reliability of checklist were assessed by CVI and test-retest method, respectively. All students (n=66) were assessed in 2 groups, one with developed checklist and another with global rating. At the end of the session, the satisfaction’s level of staff and students were analysized using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test and the mean scores of students were analysized using Paired T test.
Results: Content validity index (CV I) of checklist was 0.88. Reliability of checklist confirmed with high correlation coefficient (0.9). Staffs’ satisfaction had no significant difference between the two methods
(Wilcoxon P=0.06). The mean score of students who assessed by checklist was higher than global rating with no significant differences (P=0.06).
Conclusion: Regarding the higher students’ satisfaction from checklist and more attention to component of assessment and more objectivity of this method and also higher score in checklist, it seems that the use of a checklist is more proper method for assessing the students’ clinical skills.
Mehdi Abbasi, Aghil Rahmani, Ladan Ranjbar Omrani, Zohreh Moradi, Masumeh Hasani Tabatabaei, Sara Valizadeh,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (11-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Color is the most important and complicated part of aesthetic dentistry. The tooth color matching of restorations is considered as one of the most difficult tasks in the restorative dentistry. The aim of this study to evaluate the effect of two training methods on the dental students’ ability in determining tooth color matching.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 dentistry students participated which randomly allocated into two groups. The first group consisted of students who learned teeth color matching methods practically. In the second group, training booklet was used for learning. Using Vita Classic shade guide series, 4 color samples were chosen and the students of each group were asked to determine samples’ color, before, after and one month after the training.
Results: Booklet learning group was more successful in determining fourth color sample. However, in no studied group and no used samples, the results of one month after learning were not better than that of before learning. Also generally, no significant relationship was found between the color matching accuracy, using glasses, and sex of participants.
Conclusion: The use of booklet learning was more effective than practical learning in color matching accuracy for dental students. Also, using glasses and sex were not effective on their color matching accuracy.
Fatemeh Shahsavari, Maryam Jolehar, Mohammad Javad Kharazi Frad, Shahrokh Erfanmanesh,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (7-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Use of computer and internet in our modern and digitalized society is an efficient tool to be up to date and fulfil the information gaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of computer and internet usage among dental students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran, in 2016.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study for evaluating access and usage of computer and internet by dental students was done using a researcher-made questionnaire on 401 dental students. Validity and reliability (Kappa: 0.82) of the questionnaire was confirmed. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS22 using descriptive and Logistic regression analyses.
Results: More than 95% of the students had access to the computer and Internet. 45.6% of students reported their skills were in the basic level. The major use of computer among the students was internet but only 13.2% of students used Microsoft Office program. The students used the internet for dental subjects even monthly (34.9%) or weekly (29.4%). Only 9.7% of the students had participated in educational workshop for learning methods of research. The most limitation was internet velocity. Positive correlation was found among prospering ownership status (P<0.001), economic status (P=0.05), level of education semester (P=0.038) and the computer & internet usage (what’s more in terms of access and also in terms of improve information and knowledge).
Conclusion: Based on the results, a higher economic level, higher level of education, and property ownership made better access to the computer and Internet. However, computer skills should be more concerned in educational program.
Mohammadreza Khami, Shima Ghorbani, Mahdi Hasanpour,
Volume 32, Issue 2 (10-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Due to high mortality rate and cost of smoking, WHO has emphasized on the role of dentists in smoking cessation among patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dental students, knowledge toward health consequences of smoking, their attitude towards smoking cessation activities, and their education programs in this field.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the target group was senior dental students at Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Universities of Medical Sciences, and Azad and Shahed Universities. A questionnaire was used to collect data in addition to background information, on the knowledge, attitudes, and education towards tobacco cessation counseling in dental practice was administered to the students. The sampling method was census. Data were analyzed using oneway Anova followed by Turkey HSD post-hoc test for pairwise comparison.
Results: Overall 138 students participated in this program (The response rate was 100%). Of the maximum achievable knowledge score (28), the average knowledge score in Tehran University was 22.8, in Shahid Beheshti University 20.31, in Azad University 22.31, and in Shahed University 22.16 (P=0.027) with significant statistical differences. However, But the average of attitude and education score of the students did not vary significantly (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Most of the students had sufficient knowledge about the risks of tobacco use and positive attitude toward tobacco cessation counseling. It was concluded that the students would only pay attention to the principals of smoking cessation counselling when they actually believe in them. Therefore, in order to improve the performance of students, training should be given on tobacco cessation techniques at the dental schools, thus, that students could play an effective role in tobacco cessation counseling for patients.
Arezoo Khabazian, Pooya Fadaei Tehrani, Ali Tavakoli, Amir Kheyrossadat,
Volume 32, Issue 2 (10-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Today, smoking is recognized as a major health problem and an impediment to development in many developing countries. This is the reason of early deaths and disabilities which leads to death of about 4 million people around the globe annually. This study aimed at assessing the awareness and attitude among the students last years dental at Yazd Shahid Sadooghi Medical School in providing consultation for giving up smoking.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive sectional study that evaluated the awareness and attitudes of students last years dental at school of dentistry. Data was collected through standard questionnaires and were analyzed by T test and Pierson correlation coefficient in SPSS18 software.
Results: A total of 110 students participated in this study. Awareness mean's score of female students was 18.38 and male students 17.66. The attitude mean's score of female students was 31.06 and the male students was 32.45. Based on the correlation coefficient of awareness with age (0.112), with the semester (-0.001) and with a GPA (0.76), it was concluded that awareness with increasing age and GPA increased, and with increasing semester decreases. Also, based on the correlation coefficient of attitude with age (0.013), with the academic semester (0.018) and with a GPA (0.008), it was concluded that attitude with increasing age, semester, and GPA was improved.
Conclusion: Despite the relatively good attitude of dental students about smoking cessation counseling, their awareness was poor. Therefore, the need to revise the education programs and steps in the field of training are required.
Firoozeh Nilchian, Shiva Mortazavi, Maryam Kashani,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries is a common childhood disease with a considerable effect on quality of life. In visually imparted children oral health and dental treatments are more complicated. To prevent oral diseases, it is necessary to educate visually impaired children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral hygiene training on oral health status in visually impaired children.
Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, 50 visually impaired children 8 to 12 years old were systematically recruited from visually impaired exceptional schools. Participants were randomly allocated into two control and study groups (25 each). Sillness and Loe plaque index was recorded in all 50 children at baseline and after intervention and follow up periods. The study group received oral hygiene instructions (rolling toothbrush technique) using Braille booklets and hand over hand education. The training repeated three times with two weeks’ intervals and at the end Plaque Index was measured in both groups ANOVA, T-test and Mann Whitney tests were employed to compare intra and inter groups statistical analyses. (α=0.05).
Results: At the baseline, the mean plaque index score in the study group was 2.03±0.52 which decreased to 1.23±0.34 at the end of the intervention (P<0.001). Initially, in control group, the Plaque Index score was 2.26±0.49 which was 2.19±0.44 at the end of the study. Changes in Plaque Index scores were statistically significant between two groups. (P<0.001).
Conclusion: It was concluded that oral hygiene instructions using visually impaired specific training methods improved Plaque Index in these children.
Bita Heydarzadeh, Bahareh Tahani, Imaneh Asgari,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: School teachers have key role in providing the basic health information for their students, and their knowledge, attitude, and practice affect children's oral health through developing of the healthy behaviors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral health education program for primary school teachers on their knowledge, attitude, and practice fields in the framework of oral health promoting schools.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among five oral health promoting schools in Isfahan city in 2019. A validated and reliable questionnaire including four sections of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice was applied for data collection. The questionnaire contained 24 knowledge, 9 attitudes, and 5 practice questions. It was distributed among 63 enrolled teachers at base line and two months later after two educational-emotional workshops. Before and after data were analyzed by SPSS21 (α=0.05) by related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and background variables by Kruskall-wallis test.
Results: After the educational intervention, their knowledge score increased significantly from 14.1±3.8 to 18.5±3.7 (P<0.001). About 34% of teachers had a high level of knowledge proficiency at the beginning of the study which eventually rose to 76%. Teachers’ attitude decreased significantly from 34.6±5 to 31.4±4.6 (P<0.001). At the beginning of the study, 89% of them had a positive attitude towards oral health programs which decreased to 84% at the end of the study. In the performance part, 63.5% of the teachers paid attention to the fluoride in their toothpaste which reached 87.3% after the workshop and the teachers' performance score increased from 3.07 to 3.39 after the intervention (P<0.012).
Conclusion: The package of educational intervention for teachers in oral health-promoting schools improved the level of knowledge and practice, but slightly reduced the level of attitude. However, due to the importance of changing attitudes in teachers and the existence of structural and programmatic barriers to integrate the health issues into school education, other models need to be evaluated and compared.
Sara Valizadeh, Samaneh I Rezaei Dehnamak, Hamid Reza Khodayar, Ahmad Reza Shamshiri, Zohreh Moradi,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Due to the review of general dental courses, it was necessary to assess the students' satisfaction with this curriculum. The aim of this study was the assessment level of students’satisfaction with the new educational curriculum of the Ministry of Health at the department of restorative dentistry of Tehran university of medical sciences in 2019-2020.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional trial,72 sixth year dental students of Tehran University who passed the restorative dentistry courses based on the new curriculum were studied. A questionnaire was developed and for validity content assessment, it was presented to 5 professors and then revised. For reliability approval of the questionnaire, test-retest approach was used. The questionnaire was given to the 30 students of the main pilot group in one session and two-week later and agreement percentage and Kappa index were calculated. After conducting the "test" process and re-testing, the "questions" were statistically analyzed using STATA software.
Results: The most level of satisfaction regarding to practicality of subjects was found for fundamental of restorative dentistry including principles of amalgam class I cavity preparations and restorations on the dentic (81.94% and 76.39% acceptable respectively) and the principles of amalgam classII cavity restorations on the dentic (72.22%). The least satisfaction levels were obsereved in the first and second theoretical restorative courses including tooth-colored restorations (47.22%), onlays and inlays (47.22%) and tooth-colored classII cavity preparations and restorations (48.61%). The amount (P-value or error of the first type) was reported in all questions>0.001.
Conclusion: Despite the limitation of this study, final-year dental students’ satisfaction of theoretical restorative dentistry courses was medium, while it was high for the fundamental and practical restorative courses of 2017 educational curriculum.
Sara Pourshahidi, Shiva Shirazian, Parisa Torabian, Samaneh Razeghi, Ahmad-Reza Shamshiri,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dentists faced the highest risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educating competent students is the first task of the dental school to overcome the created problems and thus, it is necessary to recognize the created educational deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the students' perspectives from the Dental School at Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 2019-2020, concerning the competencies expected to be developed during the clinical phase of the general dentistry curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are intended to inform the formulation of educational strategies in the post-pandemic period to address identified gaps in training.
Materials and Methods: During the academic year 2019-2020, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The study consisted of three phases: checklist design, psychometrics, and a survey of general dentistry students in their third to sixth year. The checklist design phase involved a team of four individuals, including educational officials from the faculty, academic staff members, and medical education experts. Experts confirmed the content validity of the checklist, while reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), which indicated favorable validity and reliability. Subsequently, questionnaires formatted as Google Forms and a census approach were distributed to all students enrolled in the general dental course within the clinical section of the School of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Ultimately, following the data collection process, statistical analysis was conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, including the mean and standard deviation, and the findings were communicated to the group managers.
Results: The assessment of content validity was established at a minimum of 71%, based on the evaluations provided by five experts. Additionally, reliability was measured using an intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) exceeding 0.79, signifying a strong level of both validity and reliability. 122 students (53%) in the clinical stage completed the forms related to the pre-clinical/clinical units passed during the Covid era. Despite having enough training, basics Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Surgery 1, and Restorative 3 courses needed more training. In addition, Basics Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Surgery 1, and Surgery 4 needed the most practical training to acquire the necessary competencies.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicated that the dental students expressed a desire for increased practice across various levels of pre-clinical and clinical courses. This would suggest that the challenges associated with patient interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic may not be the sole contributing factor. Consequently, alongside the need for educational planning to address the requirements of enrolled students, it appears essential to conduct similar studies in the post-pandemic context. Furthermore, this approach may also prove beneficial in evaluating educational needs for ongoing professional development courses.
Negar Kamali, Farimah Sardari, Mostafa Sadeghi,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The quality of sleep plays a significant role in the academic performance of dental students, especially in the clinical years. Identifying and treating students at risk of sleep disorders can reduce or limit the drop in academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the sleep quality and educational performance of Rafsanjan dental Student-Iran.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted among all dental students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences - Iran. This study was presented to all dental students in Rafsanjan by online questionnaire method on Pressline website. The questionnaire included demographic information and student number along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Standard Questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Questionnaire examines the quality of sleep in the range of 0 to 21. The link of the questionnaire was made available to the students through Telegram, and the GPA of the total students was obtained by using the student number from the Vice-Chancellor of University Education. The data were analyzed with SPSS26 software. First, the data were analyzed with Smironov's kermograph test. The results of this test showed that the data distribution is not normal (P<0.05). Due to the non-normality of the data distribution, non-parametric tests such as K-score, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman were used.
Results: 151 students participated in the questionnaire of which, 73 were men (48.3%) and 78 were women (51.7%). The mean and standard deviation of the age of the subjects studied was 22.11±2.3 years. The overall average sleep quality score of dental students was equal to 8.13, which according to the questionnaire, students experience poor sleep quality. 86.1% of students had poor sleep quality. Examining the correlation between the sleep quality and academic performance showed that there was no significant relationship between them. Sleep quality had no significant relationship with gender, marital status, place of residence, and entry year (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that majority of dental students in Rafsanjan had low sleep quality. Although, there was no relationship between the quality of sleep and academic performance, it seems necessary to pay attention to the sleep status of these students in order to improve their sleep quality, which is an important factor in improving their health by administrators and Rizan health program.
