Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the current status of the Saudi undergraduate training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Saudi dental colleges, through comparing the clinical requirements performed by the undergraduate dental students. Methodology: Observational cross-sectional study was conducted through survey based structured interviews; developed and validated by the research team. Each interview was conducted through two calibrated interviewers to minimize human error. The interviews were a minimum of one to three students meeting the selection criteria. The question matrix inquired about teaching methods, students-staff ratio, requirements, and competency exams. Results: Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the data in tables and graphs. Significant differences were observed in requirements and competency exams. Out of the 25 dental schools, 20 have responded with a sample size of 110 participants. 8 out of the 20 schools adopted comprehensive care clinics. The clinical hours ranged from 3 to 12 hours per week. Only 1 college exceeded the accepted student-staff ratio which was more than 20 students per one faculty. Requirements varied significantly; some schools required a minimum of 1 extraction while others required 20 extractions per year. Moreover, surgical extraction requirements were only mandatory in 5 colleges with the range of 1 to 7 surgical extractions. Competency exams were not required in 2 dental colleges. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the clinic type, requirements, and assessment tools among colleges that might influence the graduates' competence and experience level. Moreover, this might introduce bias between graduates of different colleges.