Assessment of Early Clinical Experiences for Predoctoral Students in North American Dental Schools

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the current status of Early Clinical Experiences at North American dental schools.

Methods: An IRB-exempt (#10350) survey was distributed to each ADEA chapter president at North American dental schools using the survey instrument, RedCap. Aggregated data was analyzed by the investigators for trends and significant findings were noted.

Results: Amongst 19 respondents enrolled in North American dental schools, 1 identified as a D2 student, 12 were D3 students, and 6 were D4 students. When asked if D1 students participated in clinical activity, 9 respondents answered no and 10 respondents answered yes. Of the 10, a majority stated that students spent 0-49 hours participating in procedures such as comprehensive exams, screening exams, taking radiographs and non-surgical periodontal procedures in clinic but did not serve as the primary provider.

Of the 19 respondents, when asked if D2’s participated in any clinical activity, 3 answered no and 16 answered yes. Most respondents indicated that D2s spend 50 or more hours in clinic participating in procedures such as comprehensive exams, screening exams, taking radiographs, non-surgical periodontal procedures, direct restorations, single tooth indirect restorations, fixed prosthodontics, and removable prosthodontics in clinic and the majority indicated that D2s can serve as the primary provider for their patients. In addition, most respondents felt that students should serve as primary providers during the D2 year.

Conclusions: Early patient care experiences can form an integral part of the pre-clinical experience. At North American dental schools, D1s typically participate in patient care between 0-49 hours but rarely serve as primary provider. D2s often serve as primary provider for many different dental procedures and are typically in clinic 50 hours or more per year. Respondents indicated that an overwhelming majority of North American Dental schools include early patient care experiences as part of their curriculum.