Piloting Direct Observation of Procedural Skills in Dental Education in India

Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) and corrective feedback are one of the most important tools to promote skill learning. Authentic and pedagogically effective feedback can come out only when based on direct observation of the learners' performance. Use of DOPS, particularly in dental education in India is very uncommon.

To pilot DOPS on undergraduate dental students in the specialty of periodontia.

The faculty was oriented to the concept and use of this modality during a 1 h session, which included a video demonstration. The generic DOPS recording format with modifications was used for periodontal procedures. A total of 42 procedures (including 7, 30, and 5 of low, average, and high difficulty, respectively) performed by 15 students were observed by four faculty members. Feedback was provided to the students regarding the procedure and how to overcome shortcomings if any.

Faculty was comfortable observing and providing feedback (3.95/5.0) and found this mode feasible and nonintrusive in their clinical and teaching schedule. Students expressed satisfaction and acceptance of this modality (4.19/5.0), felt that it would help them in learning skills better (4.01/5.0) and 83% wanted it to be extended to other clinical areas, preferably from the beginning of their clinical postings.

DOPS can be incorporated in the in-training assessment of undergraduate dental students and seems to have a good feasibility and acceptability. Faculty training in observation and providing feedback will enhance its utility.