Evaluation of Dental Students’ Self-Efficacy Regarding Root Canal Treatment Performance: A Survey Study

Abstract

Aim Assessing undergraduate dental students’ self-efficacy can help educators better understand what works well in the curriculum and where further support is needed. This study aimed to explore the self-efficacy of undergraduate dental students in performing root canal treatments. Materials and Methods A survey was conducted among fourth- and fifth-year students from dental faculties in Ankara, Turkey all of whom had completed their endodontic clinical practice. The questionnaire consisted of demographic questions and items assessing students’ self-efficacy in performing different steps of root canal treatment. Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not sufficient, 5 = very sufficient). Data were analyzed using the Cronbach’s alpha and Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 135 students participated in the study, including 44 (32.6%) males and 91 (67.4%) females. Among them, 48 (35.6%) were fourth-year and 87 (64.4%) were fifth-year students. Descriptive analysis indicated that students’ self-efficacy levels were generally in the neutral to high range across most endodontic procedures. Female students reported significantly higher self-efficacy in determining the shape and size of the access cavity (p < 0.05). Fifth-year students reported higher self-efficacy in indication, anesthesia, irrigation, and obturation (p < 0.05). Interestingly, fourth-year students reported greater confidence than fifth-years in locating canal orifices in anterior teeth (p < 0.05). Conclusions Fifth-year students demonstrated higher self-efficacy in most clinical skills, likely due to their broader clinical experience. Overall students generally perceived themselves as competent in endodontic procedures.