Table 4 Proportion (%) of students’ and new graduates’ level of self-reported preparedness and stakeholders’ evaluations in the academic and technical competencies domain. (n = 120)

Obtaining, interpreting and recording a comprehensive patient history

0.0

1.9

3.7

5.6

26.2

48.6

14.0

Performing an examination and accurately identifying health, disease and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures

0.0

1.9

5.6

9.3

40.6

38.9

3.7

Appropriately recommending and/or undertaking relevant special tests to aid diagnosis

0.9

3.7

5.6

11.1

39.8

31.5

7.4

Investigating and identifying risk factors for disease/trauma in the dentition, mouth, and associated structures

1.8

1.8

9.3

14.8

34.3

30.6

7.4

Analysing and integrating all relevant information gathered to formulate differential and definitive diagnoses

0.9

3.7

8.4

13.1

45.8

23.4

4.7

Formulating an appropriate treatment plan with the patient, taking into account the risks and benefits of treatment options

2.8

2.8

4.2

15.3

40.2

25.0

9.7

Providing relevant, comprehensive, evidence-based preventive advice to patients

0.0

0.9

6.5

11.2

28.1

36.5

16.8

Managing dental emergencies (within the scope of practice)

3.8

9.6

10.6

13.5

36.5

18.3

7.7

Identifying, assessing, and managing medical emergencies

6.1

10.1

11.1

20.2

28.2

19.2

5.1

Managing dental trauma (within the scope of practice)

3.9

15.7

10.8

20.6

27.5

18.6

2.9

Identifying, assessing, and managing pain related to the dentition, mouth and associated structures

1.9

4.6

7.4

15.7

43.5

21.3

5.6

Possessing the knowledge and skills to assess most clinical presentations

1.9

2.8

5.6

13.0

43.4

25.0

8.3

Providing required treatment to manage most clinical presentations

0.9

3.7

4.7

12.1

43.1

31.8

3.7

Using behaviour management strategies to manage patients

1.9

5.7

16.2

9.5

33.4

25.7

7.6

Evaluating and monitoring the progress of treatment and dental outcomes

2.8

3.8

9.4

9.4

33.1

31.1

10.4

Appropriately recommending and/or administering drugs and therapeutic agents, including local anaesthesia (within the scope of practice)

0.9

1.9

6.7

13.3

34.4

33.3

9.5

Being able to identify the signs of abuse or neglect in patients and raise concerns appropriately

6.3

11.6

15.9

16.8

26.3

18.9

4.2

Referring patients appropriately for advice, assessment, or treatment

1.9

2.8

4.7

9.3

30.8

38.4

12.1

Appropriately documenting clinical findings and treatment in patient records

0.0

1.9

6.6

3.8

23.6

48.1

16.0

Complying with current best practice guidance in decontamination procedures and maintenance of a safe environment

0.9

3.8

2.8

5.7

29.2

35.0

22.6

Effectively managing patients with disabilities and other special needs

3.1

14.4

11.3

18.6

29.9

19.6

3.1

Showing compassion and respect to each patient and understanding the patient as a whole person rather than looking at his or her teeth in isolation

0.9

1.9

1.9

6.7

23.8

28.6

36.2

Possessing core scientific knowledge to support clinical practice and clinical skills necessary to provide general dental care

0.0

2.9

8.6

8.6

32.4

34.3

13.2