The Effect of Logbook on the Clinical Training Aspects of Oral Medicine from the Perspective of Students and Faculties of Ahvaz School of Dentistry

Assessment of student clinical performance is one of the most difficult tasks of faculty members. Logbook is one of the most effective methods for educational assessment. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of logbook from the viewpoints of Ahvaz dental students and faculty members of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial medicine.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on the 70 students and six faculty members of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial medicine, School of Dental Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. The questionnaire was prepared from previous studies and included four areas of necessity, quality, format, and implementation process and how to complete the logbook. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, independent t-test, and SPSS ver.18.

The viewpoint of faculty members regarding the four features of logbook and the overall view of the logbook was more than the students. However, no significant difference was found between the viewpoint of students and faculty members. 50.7% of the students and more than 50% of the faculties considered the use of the logbook necessary to ensure consistent educational standards in clinical training. They also showed that the logbook meets all 50% of the educational standards both in format and implementation process.

Faculty members and students showed a positive view of logbook, but positive overall view of the faculty members was more than the students. Therefore, reviewing the logbook is not necessary, but more familiarity with the logbook content seems necessary.