Preparedness of Undergraduate Dental Students: A National Study

Objectives: To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness of final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysia and to compare difference level student public private universities. Material Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted using a validated questionnaire, Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU-PAS) no samplings were involved. The distributed via University presentative each university from MDSA form online written questionnaire. data analysed SPSS version 23. Results: 239 responded this study. Responses revealed that felt adequately prepared carry out simple clinical procedures such as taking consent (88.3%), tooth-coloured fillings (87.4%), non-surgical periodontal treatment (86.6%), do proper history (85.8%), bitewing radiograph (84.1%) communication skills (69.9%). However, low levels scores reported on ability an amalgam restoration (12.1%), endodontics especially multi-rooted tooth (9.6%), crowns (9.2%), referral for suspected oral cancer (31.8%), research (15.1%) raising concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour colleagues (7.9%). There significant between Conclusions: This is first Malaysia. results showed satisfactory range effective skills. several areas weaknesses identified which underscore need additional training consolidation.