A Questionnaire Survey of Basic Practice in Pediatric Dentistry After Reforming Tr aining Contents

Abstract

We have revised some of the training concerning basic practices in pediatric dentistry in order to promote the both ability to solve problems as well as communication skills with respect to the patients. We made inquiries among the 96 fourth-year dental students regarding their understanding and satisfaction levels of this basic practice to evaluate the new training after having revised them. More than 80% of the students were able to understand the contents of the textbook and engage in handson practice while grasping each of the following topics; topical application of fluoride, rubber-dam exclusion of moisture, pit and fissure sealant, pulpotomy of primary teeth, preformed crown for primary teeth restoration and drafting of treatment planning including prevention of oral disease. More than 80% of the students participating in the tutorial practice responded positively according to their self-assessment. It seems, however, that there is room for reexamination of this tutorial because 16%of the students were not able to participate in it in this manner. As for acquiring patient management skills, about 30% of students thought that talking to a mannequin assuming it to be a real patient was not useful. We therefore have to have the students change their awarenss concerning basic practice in pediatric dentistry.