Acceptance of video-based teaching in paediatric dentistry by undergraduate dental students

Five cohorts of undergraduate students (n = 160) were filmed on video tape while performing paediatric treatments. Sequences of these recordings were shown 1 day later and discussed. Thus, within one term each student was able to view himself as well as fellow students on video. After the completion of the clinical course in paediatric dentistry, students were asked by means of a questionnaire about the acceptance and benefits of video-based teaching in paediatric dentistry. 95.5% welcomed the use of video in paediatric dentistry. Concerning the benefits gained from the video showing the treatment that had been performed by the student himself, 83.4% said they had gained new insights in their own behaviour and 80.3% thought these insights to be useful for their clinical work. For the video showing treatments by fellow students, numbers were higher: 84.7 and 89.8%, respectively. Gender-specific differences revealed that women feel more disturbed by the fact that they are being filmed (7.8% vs. 14.9%), some even think that they would have performed a better treatment without the video. Out of four didactical means, video gained the highest vote, followed by seminars, lectures and slides. It is concluded that the use of video is a valuable didactical means that should be considered in teaching undergraduate students.