Do dental graduates of the University of Hong Kong (1997-2001) perceive themselves prepared for dental practice?

Objectives. To determine how well prepared dental graduates of the University of Hong Kong perceive themselves to be for dental practice, and to identify variations in self-perceived competencies. Methods. A postal questionnaire was sent to dentists who graduated from the University of Hong Kong in the last 5 years of the faculty’s previous curriculum (1997-2001). This questionnaire incorporated a standardized and valid measure of self-perceived competencies in dentistry (59 items), and some questions about the dentists’ career. Results. The overall response rate to the study was 45% (104/230). Most respondents felt well prepared about ‘bread and butter’ aspects of dentistry: general patient and practice management, and conservative dentistry. Nonetheless in certain areas they felt poorly prepared: over 90% felt unprepared in some aspect of oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in performing soft-tissue biopsies (87%). Over 80% did not feel well prepared in aspects of orthodontics, particularly performing full-arch alignment (84%). Over 80% felt not well prepared in aspects of oral rehabilitation, particularly in the ability to treat with implants (74%). In the area of periodontology, over 60% felt ill prepared in performing periodontal surgery. Conclusion. In general, dental graduates of the University of Hong Kong feel well prepared for dental practice. There are nonetheless many aspects of dental practice where graduates feel ill prepared. These issues should be addressed through appropriate postgraduate training, continuing professional development courses, and continual development of the new curriculum