The perspectives of dental students on the integration of research in undergraduate curricula

Abstract

Background: Developing research skills is essential for students during their studies and beyond graduation. Engaging in undergraduate research positively influences academic careers. There are many advantages to incorporating research into the undergraduate dental curriculum. This study aims to explore dental students' perspectives on the integration of research into undergraduate curricula. 

Methods: A six-month cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students at Baqai Dentistry College. The study was approved by the College's ethics committee (BDC/ERB/2019/015). Students from the first, second, third, and fourth years who were present on the day of data collection were included in the study. Those students who were not present on the day of data collection were excluded from the study.

Results: Out of the total 278 dental student, 222 completed the questionnaire. Students by year of study: 66(29.7%) first-year students, 54(24.3%) second-year students, 53(23%) third-year students, and 49(22.1%) final-year students.

Conclusion: The survey found that dental students' perspectives toward research integration in the undergraduate curriculum were positive, with most of them being first-year and third-year students.