Pre-clinical operative dentistry: students viewpoints

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the pre-clinical operative dentistry course from a student's viewpoint in order to monitor the academic environment and give recommendations for improvement. A questionnaire was completed by second year dental students on the last lecture day of the year. The questionnaire consisted of questions evaluating different aspects of the course. 46 out of 50 students completed the questionnaire. The course was considered by almost all to be of benefit. Opinion was divided regarding formal assessment in the final professional examination. Quality of teaching was reported to be good although teaching sessions were perceived to be disorganized and prone to repetition. Exercises on plaster models were widely condemned. Improvements in pre-clinical teaching can be brought about by a more structured course, adding more topics and assigning more faculty to supervise the exercises