Attitude and experiences of undergraduate dental students and interns towards research

Objective: this study was designed to evaluate the perception of students and interns toward research

Materials and Methods: the study was conducted in January 2014. Participants of the study were fourth, fifth, and 6[th] year students and interns. A questionnaire comprised thirteen questions was distributed to evaluate students' and interns' perception about the importance of research in their learning

Results: the results showed that interns and 6th year students were more interested in research as compared to their junior counterparts as they realized the importance of research in their educational growth. This was reflected by the number of interns who completed the questionnaire

Conclusion: dental students realized the importance of research in the education, but it was found that the proportion of students who did research as part of their course was very low. Students should be actively engaged in research, which can be achieved by introducing research as a compulsory component of their course

Patients' perception toward various dental treatments provided in the internship program

To evaluate patients' perception regarding treatment and environment in the interns' clinic at a university dentistry clinic. This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2012 to May 2013 at the College of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A self-directed questionnaire was distributed to 220 randomly selected patients, and the response rate was approximately 68%. Patients' were asked regarding dentists' behavior, treatment, and clinical environment along with their demographics, and socioeconomic status. Out of the 220 randomly selected patients, 150 participated in the study. The average age of a respondent was 32.5 years [ +/- 14.5], 89 of the 150 participants were Saudi nationals. Collectively, 86% were satisfied with the doctors' behavior, and approximately 94% responded that the dentist listens to their concerns. Most [83%] were satisfied with the treatment plan provided by the interns. The findings in this study showed that more than 80% of the participants were satisfied with the quality of treatment and clinical environment. The dissatisfaction rate was minimal [13%] and for this reason, it is difficult to establish the factors for patients dissatisfaction.