Assessment of the senior dental students’ acceptance of the use of role-play model as part of pediatric dentistry curricula in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry ElAlamein, AAST

2 Lecturer of Material Science, College of Dentistry ElAlamein, AAST

3 Lecturer of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandria

4 Lecturer of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandria

5 Dental Intern, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandri

Abstract

Introduction: Behavioral and attitudinal competencies are essential components in instructing dentistry undergraduate students in behavior management. The intricacy of these skills renders clinical education via didactic methods insufficient for fostering a profound attitude to learning. The implication of role play may present an opportunity to foster such learning outcomes. Aim: The aim was to assess experiences and acceptance of Egyptian dental students of the role-play model as a learning pedagogy for pediatric dentistry. Material and Methods: Students were recruited from the senior level of the bachelor program in dentistry for two consecutive years (n=554) Results: Students’ performance and satisfaction were very satisfactory towards role-playing. In total, 77.4% of students responded favorably to the role-play and the more preferred type of role-play was video filming (79.4%). A total of 86.6% of students stated that role-play model helped them in making behavior management subject easier for them to apply clinically in the future. Male students expressed higher favorable views of this teaching modality. Conclusions: The application of role-play in pediatric dentistry could be an effective way of educating Egyptian dental senior students and can be beneficial for their transition from students to dentists.

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