The change in self-efficacy of novice dentists in Endodontics within the first year following graduation from Aarhus University or the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam

Aim: To understand whether the self-efficacy of novice dentists in Endodontics changes within the first year following their graduation, and to reveal factors related to a possible change. Methodology: Data were obtained from dental graduates from Aarhus University, Denmark or from the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The 60 participants filled out the Endodontic General Self-Efficacy Scale questionnaire close to their graduation (baseline) and 1 year following their graduation (follow-up). Additionally, data on their experience in Endodontics within the first year following graduation were gathered, as well as data on their work environment, their referral behaviour and the postgraduation education they attended. For comparisons, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and t-tests were used. Referral behaviour and the change in self-efficacy were studied by multiple regression analyses. Results: Most participants showed an increase in self-efficacy after graduation. The increase in self-efficacy was higher for those whose baseline self-efficacy was lower, and lower for those whose baseline self-efficacy was higher. Self-efficacy increased with experience in performing root canal treatments within the first year following graduation. Participants with higher average self-efficacy (i.e. mean of baseline and follow-up self-efficacy) referred patients for endodontic surgery more often than participants with lower average self-efficacy did. Conclusions: The self-efficacy of novice dentists in Endodontics generally increased within the first year following their graduation. The increase in self-efficacy was greater for those who had low self-efficacy at graduation than for those who already had high self-efficacy. Performing root canal treatments was an important factor in increasing self-efficacy.