Self-Perceived Competence in Clinical Skills Among Fresh Graduates of Karachi Pakistan - A Comparative Study

Students’ development as effective dental practitioners are based on their happiness and self-awareness with their ability to conduct various dental operations. This study evaluated the self-perceived competence level among fresh dental graduates who are currently completing their house jobs in different dental institutes in Karachi, Pakistan. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted in January and February 2022. Data was collected from a total of 330 fresh graduates working as house officers in six different dental colleges in Karachi. The participants were asked to fill out the questionnaire, after acquiring informed consent. The mean overall score was 75.75/100 + 11.60. Most of the participants had a firm grip on 18 out of 24 clinical procedures while bitewing radiographs and production of mechanically sound cast partial denture (CPD) were two items that most of the participants lacked. The cognitive skills in part B were absent in most of the participants. House officers were able to perform clinical duties confidently during their house job while there was a lack of interest shown in performing cognitive responsibilities which showed that there is room for improvement. The findings of this study could be applied to dental schools in Pakistan in uplifting their clinical and cognitive skills to make them better clinicians, as multiple dental schools participated in this survey. The effects should be assessed carefully as the reported competence is self-perceived, not clinically proven.