Dental students' clinical and academic experience during placement in a UK tertiary care children's hospital

There are well-recognized difficulties across UK dental schools in recruiting paediatric patients who are willing to attend, have manageable dental disease, and do not require the behaviour management skills of an experienced dentist. This presents a concern for the skill development of the future workforce. At the School of Dentistry in Liverpool, the challenge to enable students to develop these core skills is supported by attendance at a tertiary care children's hospital. The present study investigates whether attendance of final-year dental students at a children's hospital affects perceptions of their surgical experience, self-reported preparation for working independently as a dentist, and understanding of specialist care.

A self-administered online survey was distributed to final-year dental students (2020-2021). Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using mixed item formats for descriptive analysis. Questions addressed themes including experience of primary tooth exodontia, understanding of general anaesthetic dental care and multidisciplinary patient management.

The response rate was 90% (n = 66). Attendance was beneficial to student learning and experience; responders reported increased surgical experience, self-confidence and understanding of multidisciplinary care. Students developed insight into future career pathways.

The present study supports the use of external clinic rotations, known as outreach placements, for dental student training. The findings support existing literature demonstrating the value of outreach placements in providing an experience not available in dental school environments. Dental students' perceptions of their surgical experience, knowledge of specialist care, and preparedness for independent practice may be enhanced by attendance to outreach placements.