Accuracy of self-evaluation of crown preparations by second-year pre-clinical students

Acquisition of accurate tooth preparation skills is one of the basic learning outcomes in the Operative Dentistry Curriculum. Ability to evaluate oneself accurately is also one of the learning objectives of a competency based education. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of self evaluation of students of second year BDS compared to their instructor when asked to assess their crown preparations for the first time. Sixty students of second year BDS of the Islamic International Dental College were asked to evaluate their anterior porcelain crown preparations according to a ten-point checklist. Each point was measured out of ten. On average the students overrated themselves compared to their senior teacher by 2.7 marks