Bridging theory and practice: the effect of emergency medicine training on dental students' knowledge and clinical performance

Abstract

Background Medical emergencies during dental procedures are not uncommon. Given the high-risk nature of dentistry and the necessity for immediate patient management, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted educational intervention by expanding assessment parameters for knowledge and performance, including follow-up evaluations. Methods This educational interventional study was conducted in 2023 with 60 senior dental students recruited via an open call. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using a random number table. All participants underwent a theoretical and practical assessment based on the American Heart Association (AHA) standardized examination. The intervention group participated in a hands-on emergency medicine and resuscitation workshop, followed by theoretical and practical assessments at one- and three-months post-intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent t-tests and ANCOVA were used for between-group comparisons, while repeated measures ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests were applied for within-group analyses. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. Results The mean scores from the workshop questionnaire at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at one- and three-month follow-ups showed a statistically significant improvement over time in the intervention group (p < 0.001), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.808). Similarly, practical exam scores demonstrated a significant time-dependent improvement in the intervention group (p < 0.001), with no meaningful change in the control group (p = 0.999). Conclusion The emergency medicine workshop-covering both basic and advanced resuscitation-significantly enhanced the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of senior dental students. Moreover, the sustained impact observed over time underscores the long-term value of such educational interventions.