A Progress File (PF) has been developed at a UK dental school, and comprises a logbook and reflective element. It is used by all clinical dental undergraduates. PFs are expected of all higher education establishments from the 2004-05 academic session. Objectives: The project objectives were to determine the impact and use of the PF within the Institute of Dentistry. Method: A structured questionnaire was conducted by the College's Teaching Quality Adviser at a designated time usually after an agreed lecture. Aspects such as design, format, usefulness and impact of PF, and personal and module tutor and patient interaction were evaluated All clinical dental undergraduates (256) were invited to participate as part of an ongoing evaluation of their courses. Results: 127 students from four clinical years participated, of whom slightly more were female (62), aged between 18-25 years (112) and the majority home students (107). A low response rate of 50% was achieved. Data was entered into an Excell spreadsheet prior to descriptive analysis. The majority (66-100%) recorded every interaction in their PF and found it to be easy to use (88%). Approximately 60% recorded factual data, diagnosis and suggested treatment for their patients and half (53%) recorded their reflection on treatment provided. 40% felt they were better able to see what they ought to be doing, and understand where to try harder with their patient interactions. Some (25%) found negative feedback and getting bad grades made them feel nervous for future patient interactions. Conclusion: the PF helps the majority of the students to record and log their progress, encourages them to think about what they are doing in order to manage their patients better. Negative feedback and low grades may be detrimental to good patient undergraduate interaction. Supported by LTSN-01.

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