Comparison of PRISM and numeric scale for self-assessment of learning progress during a clinical course in undergraduate dental students

OBJECTIVES: To compare Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self-Measure (PRISM) and a numeric scale for self-reflection in dental students. METHODS: Fourth year dental students were randomly assigned to each receive one interview based on PRISM or a numeric scale to self-assess their competencies at the beginning (t1), the middle (t2) and the end (t3) of integrated clinical course. Questionnaires were used to assess self-perceived benefit of the interviews at each time points. RESULTS: Students in PRISM group perceived a higher benefit regarding the self-assessment of their practical skills at all time points (P < 0.05), for theoretical knowledge at t2 and t3 (P < 0.05) and reaching the course objectives at t3 (P = 0.04). At all time points, PRISM group rated their interview (P = 0.04), the applied instrument (PRISM, P = 0.01) and the benefit of the combination of both higher than numeric scale group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, PRISM was superior against a numeric scale and can be recommended for dental education to facilitate self-assessment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-022-03967-7.