Final year dental students’ perception and practice of professionalism and ethical attitude in ten Sudanese dental schools: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction:

Professionalism and ethics are essential components of all dental schools. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of professionalism among Sudanese undergraduate dental students.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 students in the final year undergraduate Dental Surgery Bachelor program with 155 public and 152 private university students. We collected data through a self-administrated, semistructured questionnaire.

Results:

Although most of the students enrolled in dental schools due to their performance at higher school ( P value 0.00), this has no significant effect on their attendance and academic performance afterward ( P value 0.25). The perception of the students toward ethics teaching was generally positive in both public (77.34%) and private schools (78.77%). Ethics was represented in the curriculum of both private (51.7%) and public (48.3%) dental schools as perceived by their students. 95.43% and 94.00% of public and private students, respectively, would always or sometimes work in teams, and 98.02% and 94.04% of public and private students, respectively, would always or sometimes respect patients' preference ( P value 0.01). A total of 95.33% of the dental students would consult or refer patients with unexpected situations. Only 26% of all students would treat infectious diseases themselves.

Conclusion:

About three-quarters of Sudanese dental students showed a satisfactory level of perception toward the importance of teaching dental ethics and professionalism. It was reflected in an excellent attitude for teamwork and respecting patients' choices. The demand for teaching professionalism course in every dental school will increase gradually, and family physicians with interest in medical education may play a pivotal role in teaching professionalism to dental students.