Evaluation of experiences and challenges faced by dental students during their transition from preclinical to clinical year of study

The objective of this study was to assess the difficulties faced by dental students with respect to dental procedures on patients when they transitioned from preclinical to clinical department during their undergraduate course. A pre-validated questionnaire was distributed amongst third year, final year students and interns. A total of 241 students participated in the study. The majority of the students 45 (18.6%) faced difficulty in the procedure of extraction of teeth, and struggled least 5 (2%) with communicating with patients in their mother-tongue language. This study concluded that the transition period was not as much stressful to the present study participants. There were difficulties encountered by students especially during some clinical procedures such as formulating a proper treatment plan, during extraction of teeth and controlling bleeding during extraction where the concentration should be given by both students as well as educators. The interns of the present study were at a disadvantage as their third year and final year academics were held online due to pandemic, giving them less exposure to clinicals and patients.