The restorative training of dental students should evolve to reflect the dental disease prevalent in the community. It may also be influenced by the development of dental materials and patient demands. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the reported activities of undergraduate dental students during their clinical training in operative dentistry, including endodontics and fixed prosthodontics. Method: Clinical undergraduate students from Queen's University Belfast were selected for this retrospective study. The annual clinical operative activities of the students were collated from daily records collected over a 12 year period (1992-2003). The records contained details of patients treated and the procedures carried out. The average number of procedures per student per year was calculated and comparisons made. The data included details of the number of restorations in the following categories: amalgams, composites, glass ionomers, crowns, posts, resin bonded bridges, veneers, endodontics, casuals patients and treatment planning. Results: The figures show a diminishing trend in the placement of amalgams (33%) but a matched increase in the number of composites (31%). Students are gaining more experience in treatment planning (58%) but clinical experience in the area of posts, crowns and endodontics has remained relatively constant. The number of casual patients seen has decreased (66%) over the period investigated. Conclusion: It is concluded that the training of dental students is influenced by many factors including prevalence of dental disease, material developments but also by recommendations from statutory bodies and local preferences. A national study would be welcomed.

Back to the Education Research Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 82nd General Session (March 10-13, 2004)

Top Level Search