Evaluation of the effects of differences in preclinical education on endodontic clinical practice

Purpose: This survey study aims to evaluate the effects of differences in preclinical education on endodontic clinical practice.
Methods: Students who are currently studying in the fifth year of dentistry faculty have practiced on extracted teeth in their endodontics preclinical training. Students studying in the fourth year have practiced on extracted teeth and phantom jaws and taken exams in the OSCE/OSPE laboratory. The survey was applied to a total of 199 students, 104 of whom were fourth year students and 95 of whom were fifth year students, who were actively continuing their education on a voluntary basis. The survey consisted of a total of 12 questions, the first two of which addressed gender and academic year. The remaining 10 questions evaluated the impact of differences in preclinical education on clinical education. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-Square test and Fisher’s Exact test.
Results: The relationship between academic year and gender distribution was examined. The analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between these variables (p > 0.05). The relationship between academic year and survey responses was examined. The analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between academic year and the survey question, “Did you experience difficulty applying the rubber dam during endodontic treatment?”.
Conclusion: The group of students who received training in OSCE/OSPE and phantom laboratory practices found their preclinical applications to be similar to clinical applications and reported feeling more successful and prepared in treating patients.