(28) Exposing a critical gap in dental student's education: A survey of dental student’s confidence in performing biopsies.

Abstract: A dental student’s time in dental school is spent studying basic clinical sciences, learning hand skills, and improving clinical confidence. Although dental students are taught to identify many lesions of the oral cavity and the importance of biopsy for these various lesions. Unfortunately, not all students are taught how to properly sample these lesions. Dental students are often taught to perform minor surgical procedures and taking a simple biopsy would likely be within their capabilities. This vital procedure plays a critical role in the early detection and management of various oral pathologies and could make a significant difference in patients’ lives. The purpose of this study was to gauge the confidence level of dental students in their ability to perform a biopsy and to explore the potential need for teaching this critical procedure in dental schools. An online survey composed of 10 questions was distributed to U.S. dental schools and data was collected on dental students’ opinions and answers. The survey assessed students' confidence in taking a biopsy, opinions on whether biopsy techniques should be taught in pre-doctoral courses, and whether students knew which biopsy technique to use in different scenarios. 120 responses to the survey were obtained from 17 dental schools. Survey answers and percentages were analyzed and yielded the following results: Fourth-year dental students comprised 34% of responses, third-years 56% of responses, and second-years 9% of responses. 85% of respondents believe that the ability to take a biopsy is somewhat important or very important. 74% of respondents were hesitant or very hesitant in their ability to perform a biopsy. 72% of respondents have not had a course demonstrating or describing the steps involved in taking a biopsy. In one of our free-response sections, we asked students where they would take a biopsy on real patients using images. For our free response section, 96, 63, and 87 respondents were able to choose the correct technique respectively. In the free-response section, a majority of students expressed a desire for preclinical instruction or live demonstration of biopsy technique during their predoctoral training. Our results revealed an important gap in dental education: Dental students recognize the importance of biopsies but are not taught the necessary clinical steps to safely and successfully take a simple biopsy. A study done by Montague et al. at the University of Florida had a similar study design with similar results to our study, which reinforces our findings.1 Overall, students would like to learn such procedures in a preclinical setting. Previous attempts to teach students simple biopsy techniques have proven successful, and our study indicates that students are aware of the importance and are willing to put forth effort in rectifying this discrepancy.2,3 Our study identifies such discrepancies and could potentially aid in closing this critical gap in dental education. More research is needed to determine the feasibility of implementing such education into dental school curricula.

References:
1. Montague L, Kimbler K, Bhattacharyya I, Isyutina O, Islam MN. Interest and knowledge of Florida Dentists and University of Florida College of Dentistry students about oral soft tissue biopsy and biopsy techniques. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2014;118(6). doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2014.05.111
2. Hall DL. Oral brush biopsy technique instruction outcomes for senior dental students. J Dent Educ. 2006;70(8):820-824.
3. Dental school students introduced to oral biopsies, Learn Life-saving potential of biopsies. School of Dentistry, West Virginia University. https://dentistry.hsc.wvu.edu/News/Story?headline=dental-school-students-introduced-to-oral-biopsies-learn-life-saving-potential-of-biopsies. Published November 18, 2021.