Exodontia skills acquisition: Focusing on clinical teaching and training

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research was to evaluate the traditional exodontia block course. The objectives were to explore the experiences and views of students, clinical teachers and dental practitioners of the various elements of the course curriculum. METHODS: The study was a qualitative, participatory action research study using descriptive analysis. The study was conducted at a Dental Faculty in South Africa. A purposive sample of students, clinical teachers and dental practitioners were invited to participate. Focus group discussions were used to collect data which was analysed by an external coder. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 15 undergraduate dentistry students, 10 clinical teachers and seven dental practitioners. Four broad themes with sub-themes emerged from the study. The main themes identified strengths and deficiencies of the traditional course and made recommendations for its improvement. The themes identified were i) Integration of knowledge and skills, ii) Block course structure, iii) Challenges associated, and iv) Recommendations for improvement. Overall, the participants were satisfied that the course met its objectives. The results pertaining to clinical skills acquisition identified that teaching the use of elevators and luxators in the course, and standardisation of terminology among all clinical teachers as areas requiring attention. Teaching and learning strategies such as community-based learning, peer learning, case reviews, feedback and visual technology were viewed by the student, as well as clinical teacher samples, as strategies most beneficial to clinical learning. CONCLUSIONS: The review of the curriculum for exodontia skills acquisition and development, provided several benefits. Firstly, this research served as a quality assurance indicator. It further highlighted many teaching and learning strategies that would improve clinical skills development, reduce stress and anxiety, and support student learning. To a large extent, pertinent information was obtained that served to inform the subsequent redesigning of the course. The findings of the study augment the literature currently available on the best practice for exodontia skills acquisition and development and provide baseline information for the planning and redesign of related courses.