SELF-CONFIDENCE OF SENIOR UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE QASSIM REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Background: Self-confidence in performing oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures is vital for dental students’ preparation for independent practice. This study evaluated senior dental students’ self-confidence using a validated questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. The sample comprised 71 senior undergraduate dental students from Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Students completed the Association of British Academic Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons questionnaire, composed of 17 items assessing self-confidence across the oral surgery curriculum using a Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and tests for between-group differences based on academic year. Results: Students overall conveyed confidence in basic oral surgery procedures like exodontia (52.1% strongly agreed; 28.2% agreed) and removing retained roots (39.4% strongly agreed; 33.8% agreed). However, fewer felt confident managing more complex surgical extractions (11.3% strongly agreed; 40.8% agreed). Most (35.2% strongly agreed; 43.7 agreed) felt their teaching provided sufficient preparation for independent practice. Fifth-year students reported higher confidence than fourth-years in extracting single rooted teeth (p=0.013) and removing retained roots (p=0.009). Conclusion: Senior dental students expressed self-confidence performing fundamental oral surgery procedures, suggesting adequate educational preparation. However, advanced surgical extractions remained an area of lesser confidence, indicating the need for additional applied training, particularly for fourth-year students nearing graduation. Future research should assess students’ self-confidence following an expanded curriculum with supplementary hands-on surgical experience.