Management of Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What is being Taught in Dental Schools in the UK?

K Ali, A McCarthy, J Robbins, E Heffernan, L Coombes

Research output: Contribution to journalConference proceedings published in a journalpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Wisdom tooth removal is the one of the most common oral surgical procedures performed across the world. The aim of this study was to gauge the teaching and training of impacted wisdom teeth in undergraduate dental programs across the United Kingdom . The objectives were to identify consistencies and variations in theoretical instructions and clinical training as well as approaches to management of impacted wisdom teeth. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey utilising an online questionnaire. A purposefully designed pro-forma with open as well as closed ended questions was used. The questionnaire was hosted online on the school’s blackboard academic suite (Emily). Prior to conducting the study, approval was gained from the Research and Ethics Committee and all the ethical principles pertaining to data protection were strictly followed. E-mail invitations were sent to oral surgery leads in all dental schools in the United Kingdom. The participants were provided with an information sheet, and an informed consent was obtained. The participants were invited to complete the questionnaire online voluntarily. Results: Out of a total of 16 Dental Schools offering an undergraduate Course in Dentistry in the United Kingdom, 13 responded positively. (Response rate= 81.25%). In majority of dental schools this subject is taught in the 4th and 5th Years. A pre-clinical competency on phantom heads is a requirement in six schools while only one school requires the students to pass a clinical competency. The clinical exposure of students to wisdom tooth surgery is quite variable. Although the dental schools are fairly consistent in their teaching with regards to the indications for surgical intervention, diagnostic / treatment modalities as well as the post-operative care, interesting variations were also observed. Conclusions: This study, perhaps the first of its kind, provides useful insights into management of impacted wisdom teeth, as taught in the undergraduate dental programs across the United Kingdom.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages0
JournalDefault journal
Volume0
Issue number0
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2012
Event38th Annual Meeting Association for Dental Education in Europe, Lyon France -
Duration: 30 Aug 2012 → …

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