Frequently cited themes and subthemes in guided reflection papers regarding students’ assumptions about their community-based clinical education rotations (N=218 papers)
| Themes and Subthemes | Number of Papers (%) |
|---|---|
| Theme 1: feelings of apprehension | 109 (50%) |
| Treating various patient populations, e.g., elderly, special needs patients, children, non-English-speaking patients | |
| Lack of experience | |
| Treating multiple patients per day/slow clinician | |
| Other | |
| Theme 2: feelings of anticipated enjoyment and looking forward to experiences | 101 (46%) |
| Treating various patient populations, e.g., elderly, children, underserved patients, patients in pain | |
| Working with a dental assistant | |
| Theme 3: patient management challenges | 100 (46%) |
| For example, treating difficult patients such as low-income, combative, and uncooperative patients | |
| Theme 4: site details | 126 (58%) |
| Outdated facilities and equipment | |
| Busy clinics | |
| Similar to dental school | |
| More independence | |
| Theme 5: self-improvement | 88 (40%) |
| For example, gain knowledge, improve clinical skills, increase speed, and improve patient management skills |