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African Journal of Biomedical Research
Ibadan Biomedical Communications Group
ISSN: 1119-5096
Vol. 18, No. 1, 2015, pp. 29-35
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Bioline Code: md15005
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Biomedical Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2015, pp. 29-35
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Nigerian Dental Students’ Assessment of their Clinical Learning
Popoola, B.O. & Denloye, O.O.
Abstract
Clinical learning in medical and dental education provides students with knowledge, skills and proper etiquette for their
professional life. Students’ assessment of clinical education is therefore important to help to promote excellence in medical and
dental education in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Section A of the
questionnaire assessed clinical learning opportunities and environment, level of patient care experience and opportunity to
work in different health care settings. Section B elicited students’ perceived strengths and weaknesses observed in their clinical
learning process. Strength of association was tested using chi-square tests with level of significance set at P <0.05. The hand
written responses in section B were thematically analysed using the Taylor et al. (1998) protocol. It was observed that
participants reported having good clinical learning opportunities especially as pertained to patients’ care. However, the students
expressed dissatisfaction with the level of organization in the clinic environment, unsupportive staff and unavailability of
facilitating resources. Factors like early exposure to procedures and patient interactions, adequate and knowledgeable faculty
members, as well as the comprehensive nature of the curriculum were identified as strengths of clinical learning. Lack of
opportunities for feedback to instructors and administrators, asynchrony of lectures with clinical rotations and the stress of
fulfilling procedural requirements were identified as weaknesses of clinical learning. Nigerian dental schools need to improve
on the clinical learning environment through provision of resources that facilitate learning and ensure that faculty staffs are
more supportive.
Keywords
Dental students; clinical learning strength; clinical learning weaknesses; learning opportunities
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© Copyright 2015 - African Journal of Biomedical Research
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