Self-reported confidence levels of dental graduates in performing clinical procedures

This survey was conducted to study the levels of confidence in performing basic dental procedures, reported by graduates of three different dental colleges of Lahore. A Sample of 180 students was surveyed through specially designed proformas, using five points Likert's Scale. A total response rate of 90.5% was achieved. The null hypothesis was that graduates from different institutions have equal levels of confidence. Analysis of variance was used to assess difference of scores among institutions. P value pf 0.05 was considered to be significant. Statistically significant differences among institutions were noted[p=2.44]. Students were most confident in simpler procedures in which they had had most clinical experience. They were least confident in more complex procedures in which they had the least clinical experience during third and final year of BDS. Increased clinical time in complex procedures may help in increasing graduating students' confidence procedures highlighted in this study