The influence of anti-involution training on the critical thinking of young healthcare professionals in dental outpatient clinics: a pre-post quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates changes in critical thinking among dental healthcare workers after anti-involution training (AIT) and identifies key predictors of training effectiveness. METHODS: A pre-post quasi-experimental design was conducted with 91 participants. Critical thinking was assessed using the CTDI-CV scale. Spearman correlation, multiple linear regression, and LASSO regression were employed to identify predictors, with machine learning models (Random Forest) used for nonlinear exploration and validation. RESULTS: AIT significantly improved critical thinking disposition, with a mean total score increase of 11.813 ± 6.752 (P = 0.001). Cognitive maturity showed the greatest improvement (3.978 ± 6.645, P = 0.004). Multiple linear regression revealed that truth-seeking (β=-1.738, P = 0.019) negatively predicted improvement, while cognitive maturity (β = 1.467, P = 0.016) positively predicted improvement. Random Forest validated these findings (AUC = 0.889). CONCLUSIONS: AIT effectively enhances critical thinking among dental professionals. Baseline truth-seeking and cognitive maturity are key predictors of training outcomes, informing personalized educational strategies.