Self-confidence in clinical skills and academic performance of dental students
(PO-179) Self-confidence in Clinical Skills and Academic Performance of Dental Students
Sunday, March 20, 2022
1:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Location: Hall C
Author: Dalia E. Meisha, B.D.S., MPH, DScD – Vice Director of Teaching and Learning Development Center, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry Author: Raghad Al-dabbagh, B.D.S., MClinDent Pros, MPros CRS Edin, Ph.D – Dr. Al-dabbagh, King Abdulaziz University Submitter: Dalia E. Meisha, B.D.S., MPH, DScD – Vice Director of Teaching and Learning Development Center, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of De
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess graduating dental students’ self-confidence in clinical skills before and after finishing the senior year and to evaluate the relationship between their self-confidence and academic performance.
Methods: Graduating dental students were invited to rate their self-confidence in clinical procedures. In addition, academic performance was collected. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the differences between the 2-time points. Multiple regression models were performed to predict academic performance using self-confidence scores.
Results: A total of 336 dental students responded. Students’ self-confidence in clinical skills was significantly higher at the end of the senior year (p=0.003). Self-confidence scores in clinical skills significantly predicted students’ academic performance.
Conclusion: Self-confidence scores in clinical skills predicted students’ academic performance. Therefore, self-confidence could be used to help guide dental students to develop their own personalized career plans.
