Clinical assessment of dental students: values and practices of teachers in restorative dentistry

Objectives To investigate the values and practices of assessment of the cli nical practice of dental students by a sample of teachers in restorative de ntistry. Design A questionnaire, based on the above objectives, was designed, pilote d and redesigned. Its content was based on evidence-based good practice in assessment. Structured items in the questionnaire required responses on (i) frequency of use and (ii) estimates of value of various approaches and cha racteristics of the assessment systems that respondents were using. Setting The 14 undergraduate dental schools of the United Kingdom. Subjects Full-time clinical teachers of restorative dentistry in adults (comprising conservation (including endodontics), periodontology and prosthodontics). Results A total of 153 usable questionnaires were returned (response rate 7 0.8%), and 38 statistically significant differences were reported (of which 35 were very highly significant), based on the correlated t statistic. Val ues were in line with evidence-based good practice, but practices were not in line with values. Particularly noteworthy were the high values attached to objective structured clinical examinations, self- and peer-assessment, p ortfolio-based learning, feedback to students, the use of objective criteri a, communication skills and oral health education. The corresponding freque ncy of usage of these aspects was relatively low. The reported aims of cour ses in restorative dentistry were not matched by the profile of assessment practices. Conclusions The findings have implications for the development of student l earning, assessment procedures and the management of quality and enhancemen t of dental programmes. Although this is a report: of only one study, it re lates to the major clinical component of undergraduate programmes in dentis try. The findings imply that the time is ripe for a reappraisal of approach es to the assessment of clinical competence in dentistry.