Assessment of Dental Students' Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study

Aim The theoretical and practical training that dentists receive, along with their experience in patient care during their studies, form the foundation for the treatments they will perform after graduation and their confidence in these treatments. This study was conducted to identify the stages in which dentists feel less competent or inadequate during treatments and to improve these areas.Material and method A survey designed according to the Likert scale, was conducted among third, fourth, and fifth-year students via the Google Forms platform. Based on the data obtained, suggestions for adjustments and improvements in the students' theoretical and practical training within the faculty were identified. The survey achieved a participation rate of 85%, with 170 students from the third, fourth, and fifth years. Results An analysis of the responses revealed that students generally feel confident in their treatments and successfully complete the diagnostic and treatment processes. However, confidence levels decreased in areas such as repeating root canal treatments, rubber-dam applications, and handling complications. Areas requiring more focus include administering anesthesia, managing emergencies, taking radiographs, increasing practical classes, enhancing clinical observation, increasing clinical sessions, and using endomotors, as reported by the students.Conclusion Based on these results it is planned to offer additional lessons and workshops and make adjustments to laboratory classes to focus on the stages where students feel inadequate.