Improving dental student confidence through the use of simulated patient cases

This study investigates whether student confidence could be improved through the use of simulated patient case-based scenarios. Students in their 4th and 5th year of undergraduate study completed an online e-portfolio workbook consisting of activities related to five simulated patient cases. Following completion of the relevant learning activities within the e-portfolio, students then viewed a tutor case presentation video and attended simulated clinic sessions to complete corresponding exercises involving 3D-printed teeth related to the case. Subsequently, students undertook online self-reflection and goal-setting activities to aid their development. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all participants to gain insight into the themes of student confidence and learning support. The Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was calculated for both sections of the student questionnaire. The values for "student confidence" and "learning support" were α = 0.91 and α = 0.87, respectively. There was a total of 89 valid student responses to the questionnaire (65%). A Spearman's correlation of r = 0.50 (p