A study of dental students' clinical knowledge acquisition and experiences in conscious sedation

To evaluate final year dental students' knowledge acquisition and experiences during their intravenous sedation (IVS) clinical attachment within the sedation department at Newcastle School of Dental Sciences (NSDS).

Students attending IVS clinical attachments in the period September 2012 - April 2013 completed a novel clinical knowledge test at the beginning and end of their one week attachment; a feedback questionnaire was also completed.

A total of 70 students attended the attachment. Clinical knowledge tests were completed by 71.4% (n = 50) of students. The average test result improved from 75.1% in the pre-attachment test to 92.1% in the post-attachment test. Feedback questionnaires were returned by 65.7% (n = 46) of students. All students attained clinical experience of administering sedation and treating sedated patients. 'Teaching and Clinical Support' was rated highest, with 97.8% (n = 45) rating it as excellent. Students commented that hands-on clinical experience and clinical teaching were the most valuable parts of the attachment. Patients failing to attend appointments were considered the least useful part of the attachment.

This pilot study provides an insight into undergraduate clinical sedation, which is often under reported in the literature. The clinical experience gained at NSDS exceeds GDC recommendations for undergraduate sedation. The clinical knowledge test results suggest that clinical knowledge may be better retained after direct clinical experience.