Navigating the Transition from Preclinical to Clinical Dentistry: Initial Patient Encounter Experiences Among Dental Students and House Officers Across Pakistan — A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Transitioning from preclinical simulation to patient care involves psychological and practical challenges for dental trainees. Objective: To describe clinical-transition experiences among dental students and house officers in Pakistan and explore associations with demographic and institutional characteristics. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey recruited a convenience sample of 100 participants through digital distribution channels. A structured questionnaire assessed preclinical anxiety, diagnostic confidence, patient-management challenges, patient sourcing, and perceived procedure duration. Frequencies and percentages summarized responses. Associations were evaluated using fixed-margin Monte Carlo tests based on Pearson’s chi-square statistic, with 1,000,000 resamples per comparison, and Cramér’s V. Results: Participants included 16 third-year students, 58 final-year students, and 26 house officers; 64% were female, 93% attended private institutions, and 90% attended institutions in Sindh. Finding patients was the most frequently reported management challenge (49%). Hospital outpatient/triage allocation supplied patients for 52%, while 36% arranged patients themselves. Slightly longer procedure duration was reported by 45% and double the time by 25%. Diagnostic-confidence agreement or strong agreement was reported by 49%. None of the five exploratory associations reached statistical significance (p = 0.129–0.517; Cramér’s V = 0.187–0.245). Conclusion: Patient sourcing and perceived procedural demands were prominent concerns within this predominantly private-sector, Sindh-based sample. Demographic and institutional associations remained inconclusive