Table 3 Comparison of PRISM data between students from 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th year (each n = 10) at the third PRISM interview within one week (T3). Values are given as mean and standard deviation and represent values in millimetre. Significance level was p < 0.05

Theoretical knowledge

Whole field of conservative dentistry

143.4 ± 50.3

35.3 ± 12.5

32.8 ± 15.6

 < 0.01

Cariology

124.6 ± 43.2

28.7 ± 39.9

46.9 ± 32.6

 < 0.01

Endodontology

167.9 ± 27.3

31.7 ± 17.2

51.6 ± 38.3

 < 0.01

Periodontology

140.7 ± 47.7

26.9 ± 17.6

11.5 ± 9.3

 < 0.01

Restorative dentistry

126.4 ± 50.4

56.5 ± 45.7

30.4 ± 20.9

 < 0.01

Prevention

132.1 ± 47.3

14.7 ± 19.5

9.0 ± 7.4

 < 0.01

Cluster knowledge branched

20%

60%

80%

0.02

Practical skills

Whole field of conservative dentistry

145.0 ± 46.1

38.5 ± 23.1

37.7 ± 30.7

 < 0.01

Cariology

156.3 ± 40.7

19.7 ± 24.2

30.9 ± 27.2

 < 0.01

Endodontology

162.6 ± 41.6

60.5 ± 27.1

85.2 ± 51.5

 < 0.01

Periodontology

167.3 ± 40.8

34.4 ± 25.5

11.0 ± 10.3

 < 0.01

Restorative dentistry

157.6 ± 38.7

49.6 ± 51.7

36.5 ± 29.2

 < 0.01

Prevention

144.5 ± 46.0

17.9 ± 31.4

8.3 ± 6.1

 < 0.01

Cluster skills branched

10%

90%

90%

 < 0.01

Training need

Whole field of conservative dentistry

164.0 ± 49.3

58.8 ± 29.8

43.1 ± 33.3

 < 0.01

Cariology

154.6 ± 40.3

36.1 ± 27.6

36.1 ± 24.4

 < 0.01

Endodontology

184.3 ± 24.6

65.6 ± 42.6

84.3 ± 47.5

 < 0.01

Periodontology

171.8 ± 40.7

55.5 ± 44.5

18.3 ± 20.4

 < 0.01

Restorative dentistry

164.8 ± 34.6

75.3 ± 58.3

38.4 ± 26.3

 < 0.01

Prevention

151.3 ± 48.8

17.3 ± 27.7

13.7 ± 14.7

 < 0.01

Cluster training need branched

0%

90%

90%

 < 0.01