Clinical Confidence in Endodontics: A Cross-Sectional Study of Undergraduate Students' First Patient Experience

Endodontics is a complex and often stressful dental procedure for undergraduate students, requiring the development of fine motor skills and manual dexterity. Performing this treatment for the first time on patients can be particularly challenging. This cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate the perceptions and self-reported confidence levels of fifth-year dental students when performing their first endodontic treatment on patients.

Following their first root canal treatment performed in the clinical setting under the supervision of an endodontics instructor, fifth-year students completed a structured questionnaire. The survey included Likert-scale items assessing perceived case difficulty and confidence across various stages of the procedure. Additionally, an open-ended question was included to gather qualitative feedback for potential improvements in endodontic education.

A total of 179 students completed the questionnaire, yielding a 89.5% response rate. Molars were reported as the most challenging teeth to treat, while premolars were the most frequently treated. Students identified root canal obturation as the most complex phase of the procedure and reported the lowest confidence during working length determination.

Enhancing the number of preclinical workshops prior to patient-based endodontic treatments may improve students' confidence and help them develop the manual skills necessary for successful clinical performance.