Student perceptions of clinical experiences in endodontic access cavity preparations

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gain understanding into the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding their levels of competence and confidence when preparing endodontic access cavities MATERIALS AND METHOD: Anonymous survey forms were given to 100 undergraduate dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Oral Health Sciences. Students were asked to indicate their self-confidence level by using a 5-point Likert scale as 'not confident', 'manageable', 'comfortable and confident',' extremely confident' and 'never done it'. RESULTS: The response rate was 75 % out of 100 students. The majority of the participants (88%) indicated that they would perform endodontic access cavity preparation with ease on anterior teeth and the lowest (43%) confidence levels was indicated on multi-rooted posterior teeth Keywords: Perceptions, clinical experiences, endodontic access cavity preparation, teaching and learning.