Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to assess the confidence levels of 4th- and 5th-year dental students in relation to root canal treatment (RCT). Additionally, the study aims to examine how these levels fluctuate in response to various procedures, tooth types, and gender. METHODS: This cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted with 4th- and 5th-year dental students. The students were requested to evaluate their confidence levels in relation to a number of endodontic procedures, including anesthesia administration, rubber dam placement, canal preparation, irrigation, filling, retreatment and the management of complications. The survey results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Friedman test in order to evaluate the existence of any differences in confidence levels as a function of procedure, tooth type and gender. RESULTS: The findings indicated that 4th-year students demonstrated higher levels of confidence in most procedures. The lowest levels of confidence were observed in the management of complications, including perforations, broken instruments, and the extrusion of irrigants apically. Male students reported significantly higher levels of confidence than female students across all procedures and tooth types. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that there are significant variations in the confidence levels of dental students during RCT procedures, depending on the specific procedure, tooth type, and gender. The findings of this study demonstrate that dental students' confidence levels during RCT procedures vary significantly depending on the type of procedure, tooth type, and gender. Deficits in confidence were particularly evident in challenging procedures, such as the management of complications.