Is the implementation of the sixth-year clinical internship meeting the needs of dental students?

Aims: To assess the perceptions of the first two cohorts of students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Casablanca (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) regarding the implementation of the sixth year in their initial training curriculum. Methods: This mixed-methods study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. For the qualitative component, 20 participants from the first two cohorts were randomly selected and underwent semi-structured individual interviews. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. The quantitative component involved an online questionnaire administered to the second cohort (2021/2022). Data were processed using SPSS software. Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 92% (91/99). Most respondents (67.1%) reported being moderately to very satisfied with their sixth-year experience, and 92% felt better prepared for independent practice. However, only 49.5% of participants considered the intensive internship duration sufficient. While students generally acquired skills such as multidisciplinary treatment planning and surgical extractions, some skills, including immediate partial dentures (57%) and endodontic complication management (36.3%), required further development. Qualitative analysis revealed that 16 interviewees developed greater autonomy and self-confidence, while 10 participants found the clinical competency assessment exam comprehensive, although half experienced stress. Conclusion: This study highlights students' perceptions of the sixth-year implementation and identifies areas for improvement, including clearer communication of objectives and enhancements to the intensive internship conditions. These recommendations should be considered to enhance the learning environment and training quality during the sixth year.