Dentist's opinion about their dental education in Nijmegen,the Netherlands from 1990-1997

A questionnaire was sent to 328 dentists graduated from the University of Nijmegen in the period 1990-1998, to ask their opinion concerning the way they were prepared by dental education for their professional career. Comparison with similar data from Amsterdam Academic Centre for Dentistry has been carried out. The results show unanimity among graduates that they have been adequately prepared for the requirements in general dental practice as far as knowledge is concerned related to cariology, periodontology, crown and bridgework and dental radiology. They also have a positive assessment regarding other dental cognitive domains, except implantology. There is positive unanimity regarding their skills in various clinical areas. Shortcomings in dental education have been experienced in practice management and infection prevention, treatment of medically compromised patients, treatment of anxious patients and handicapped patients. Almost all responders have the opinion that they gained enough experience throughout their dental education to be competent to start their dental career independently. In general the Nijmegen graduates have a positive opinion concerning their dental education, although preparation for professional life could be strengthened in some specific areas. Comparison with ACTA-graduates shows that in both programmes the weakest areas are implantology and practice management.