Publication: Self-confidence Level among Intern Dentists in Performing Endodontic Treatment Procedures in Nepal
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Endodontics is considered as one of the most difficult and stressful disciplines in
dentistry. This might be due to the complex anatomical variations, recent advances
in equipment, technology, materials and lack of self-confidence.
Objective
To determine the self-confidence level among the intern dentists in performing
endodontic procedures from six different colleges of Kathmandu University, Nepal.
Method
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 intern dentists. The
online questionnaire regarding confidence level (5 point Likert scale) in different
endodontic procedures and difficulty level (easy, ok and difficult) with respect to
teeth was distributed. For descriptive purpose, frequency and percentage for each
response were calculated.
Result
Dental interns were confident in performing majority of the normal endodontic
procedures, however, they showed less confidence in performing difficult steps like
rubber dam application for anterior (74, 51%) and posterior tooth (91, 62.7%), use
of electronic apex locator (89, 61.4%), using rotary files (114, 78.6%), management
of flare-ups (86, 59.4%), assessment of quality of post-endodontic treatment (85,
58.5%), recall periods (75, 51.6%) and performing post and core (82, 56.6%). Likewise,
upper first molars (84, 57.9%) and second molars (104, 71.7%) were found to be the
most difficult teeth to treat.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that majority of the dental interns were confident in performing
basic endodontic procedures, however, they were found to have low confidence in
performing difficult steps. Further training and exposure should be incorporated to
increase their confidence level.
KEY WORDS
Confidence level, Endodontic procedures, Intern dentists, Kathmandu University
Description
Chakradhar A,1 Humagain M,2 Acharya N,3 Pradhan S,1 Poudel P4
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics,
Dhulikhel Hospital,Kathmandu University Hospital,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
2Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology,
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
3Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics,
Institute of Medicine,
Maharajgunj Medical Campus,
Dental Teaching Hospital
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
4Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology,
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Confidence level, Endodontic procedures, Intern dentists, Kathmandu University