Practicum experiences: effects on clinical self-confidence of senior dental hygiene students

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a three-week practicum experience on the clinical self-confidence of UNC senior dental hygiene students. Pre- and post-survey assessments were conducted using a 20-statement clinical self-confidence survey based on the dental hygiene process of care. Students were also asked to submit reflective journal entries discussing critical incidents during their practicum experience. Relevant comments were used as qualitative data to support survey results. Pre- and post-practicum surveys yielded a 97% response rate and 100% completed journal entries. The results suggest that a three-week practicum experience in dental hygiene students' final semester will increase students' clinical self-confidence in the dental hygiene process of care. Dental hygiene programs may want to consider the benefits of requiring students to participate in a practicum experience if they do not already do so.Master of Scienc