Journal article
Preclinical to clinical transition experiences of dental students at an Australian Regional University
European Journal of Dental Education, Vol.26(1), pp.182-196
2022
PMID: 33825285
Abstract
Introduction:
Clinical experience is a crucial component of dental education as it prepares students for real‐world practice. Our study aimed to investigate the transition from preclinical to clinical training experiences of dental students at a regional Australian dental school.
Materials and Methods:
A mixed‐methods study was conducted using a survey and focus groups. Participants were dental students who recently transitioned into clinical training. Survey data were analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, whilst the qualitative data were thematically analysed using the conceptual framework of organisational socialisation theory (OST).
Results:
Forty‐eight of the 69 students in the cohort completed the survey and 10 participated in the focus groups. The quantitative findings revealed that the transition was perceived to be abrupt and associated with a heavy workload. However, orientation sessions and engaging in chairside teaching made transitioning into clinical studies easier. The qualitative findings revealed that the transition process occurred in three phases. In phase 1, participants navigated the educational and social challenges using developmental characteristics such as resilience and positivity. Lessons learnt in phase 1 were used to make necessary learning adjustments in phase 2 and this subsequently enhanced developmental growth in the final phase, which helped ease the transition.
Conclusion:
This study confirms that transitioning into clinical training can be complex. However, the educational and socialisation challenges associated with the transition can provide stimulating developmental learning opportunities that advance students’ adjustments to the clinical environment with positive, empowering and motivational outcomes that facilitate a smooth transition.
Details
- Title
- Preclinical to clinical transition experiences of dental students at an Australian Regional University
- Authors
- Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli (Corresponding Author) - James Cook UniversityAndrew Lee (Author) - James Cook UniversityFaith Alele (Author) - James Cook UniversityMary Adu (Author) - James Cook UniversityAaron Drovandi (Author) - James Cook UniversityKarina Jones (Author) - James Cook University
- Publication details
- European Journal of Dental Education, Vol.26(1), pp.182-196
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1111/eje.12687
- ISSN
- 1600-0579
- PMID
- 33825285
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99967596402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
6 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Web Of Science research areas
- Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
- Education, Scientific Disciplines
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites