What are the views of dentistry students?
Students generally feel that their clinical experience is well-organised and has a good structure, although some express frustration with the availability of patients for certain procedures, which can impact their ability to meet minimum requirements. They appreciate early exposure to clinics and patients from the first year, but some note that this can lead to students falling behind in later years if they cannot secure suitable cases.
Some students praise specific staff members for being supportive and helpful, while others express disappointment with how certain issues have been handled, such as rescheduling exams or accessing facilities. Some students feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously or addressed in a timely manner, which can lead to frustration.
Regarding course-specific issues, students highlight the challenges of meeting minimum requirements for procedures such as root canals and molar endodontics, which can be difficult to obtain due to patient availability. Some students also note that certain staff members may have favourites among the student cohort, leading to unequal opportunities for experience.
Despite these challenges, many students express pride in being part of their dental school community and appreciate their inter-professional learning experiences. They value the support provided by the school's staff and feel well-prepared for their future careers as dentists.