Research Article

Assessment of Dental Students' Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study

Volume: 4 Number: 2 August 3, 2026

Assessment of Dental Students' Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study

Abstract

Aim The theoretical and practical training that dentists receive, along with their experience in patient care during their studies, form the foundation for the treatments they will perform after graduation and their confidence in these treatments. This study was conducted to identify the stages in which dentists feel less competent or inadequate during treatments and to improve these areas. Material and method A survey designed according to the Likert scale, was conducted among third, fourth, and fifth-year students via the Google Forms platform. Based on the data obtained, suggestions for adjustments and improvements in the students' theoretical and practical training within the faculty were identified. The survey achieved a participation rate of 85%, with 170 students from the third, fourth, and fifth years. Results An analysis of the responses revealed that students generally feel confident in their treatments and successfully complete the diagnostic and treatment processes. However, confidence levels decreased in areas such as repeating root canal treatments, rubber-dam applications, and handling complications. Areas requiring more focus include administering anesthesia, managing emergencies, taking radiographs, increasing practical classes, enhancing clinical observation, increasing clinical sessions, and using endomotors, as reported by the students. Conclusion Based on these results it is planned to offer additional lessons and workshops and make adjustments to laboratory classes to focus on the stages where students feel inadequate.

Keywords

References

  1. Awad, Z., Moore, R., & Zoltie, T. (2023). Development and impact of a clinical instructional video on self-confidence in luxator use amongst dental undergraduates. Oral Surgery, 16(1), 13–25.
  2. Uçuk, M. K. (2024). Bilgisayar destekli restorasyonlar ve diş hekimliğinde kullanımının değerlendirilmesi. İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 6(1), 1–4.
  3. Faiyazuddin, M., Rahman, S. J. Q., Anand, G., Siddiqui, R. K., Mehta, R., Khatib, M. N., & Sah, R. (2025). The impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare: A comprehensive review of advancements in diagnostics, treatment, and operational efficiency. Health Science Reports, 8(1), e70312.
  4. Uçuk, M. K. (2024). Evaluation of the place of artificial intelligence applications in medical sciences and dentistry. Van Diş Hekimliği Dergisi, 5(1), 24–31.
  5. Uçuk, M. K. (2024). Irrigation solutions and areas of use in endodontic treatments. Aurum Journal of Health Sciences, 6(2), 137–152.
  6. Sağlam, H., & Atasever Çakmak, F. (2023). Diş hekimliği stajyer öğrencilerinde COVID-19 sürecinde tamamlanamayan preklinik eğitiminin gelecek kaygısına ve öz güven seviyesine etkisi: Kesitsel çalışma. Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dental Sciences, 29(3).
  7. Elani, H. W., Allison, P. J., Kumar, R. A., Mancini, L., Lambrou, A., & Bedos, C. (2014). A systematic review of stress in dental students. Journal of Dental Education, 78(2), 226–242.
  8. Al-Koky, M., Daud, A., & Neville, P. (2023). Dental students’ self-reported confidence level in restorative crown and bridge procedures: A UK quantitative study. European Journal of Dental Education, 27(1), 187–194.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Dentistry (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 3, 2026

Submission Date

March 25, 2026

Acceptance Date

April 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 4 Number: 2

APA
Uçuk, M. K., & Sunay, H. (2026). Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study. Eurasian Dental Research, 4(2), 38-44. https://doi.org/10.62243/edr.1914870
AMA
1.Uçuk MK, Sunay H. Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study. EDR. 2026;4(2):38-44. doi:10.62243/edr.1914870
Chicago
Uçuk, Mehmet Kutluhan, and Hakkı Sunay. 2026. “Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study”. Eurasian Dental Research 4 (2): 38-44. https://doi.org/10.62243/edr.1914870.
EndNote
Uçuk MK, Sunay H (August 1, 2026) Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study. Eurasian Dental Research 4 2 38–44.
IEEE
[1]M. K. Uçuk and H. Sunay, “Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study”, EDR, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 38–44, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.62243/edr.1914870.
ISNAD
Uçuk, Mehmet Kutluhan - Sunay, Hakkı. “Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study”. Eurasian Dental Research 4/2 (August 1, 2026): 38-44. https://doi.org/10.62243/edr.1914870.
JAMA
1.Uçuk MK, Sunay H. Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study. EDR. 2026;4:38–44.
MLA
Uçuk, Mehmet Kutluhan, and Hakkı Sunay. “Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study”. Eurasian Dental Research, vol. 4, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 38-44, doi:10.62243/edr.1914870.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Kutluhan Uçuk, Hakkı Sunay. Assessment of Dental Students’ Confidence in Performing Endodontic Treatment: A Survey Study. EDR. 2026 Aug. 1;4(2):38-44. doi:10.62243/edr.1914870