DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/MGQT-D368
Defense Date
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Endodontics
First Advisor
Karan Replogle
Abstract
Endodontic residents must keep current with clinical information to practice evidence- based dentistry. To do so, endodontic residents must access research papers and interpret results. This requires a knowledge of biostatistics. However, the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents is relatively unknown. The purpose of the study was to assess the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents using a survey instrument to prove or reject the hypothesis that there exists a lack of understanding of biostatistic principles among endodontic residents. A survey consisting of 29 questions querying attitudes and biostatistical knowledge was distributed to 230 endodontic residents and returned with a 32% response rate. The overall mean resident knowledge score was 42.3% (SD, 17.5%; range, 10% to 90%). Only 39% stated they understood all of the statistical terms encountered in journal articles. This data supports the hypothesis that there exists a lack of understanding of biostatistical principles and would suggest that more effective training in biostatistics in residency education is desirable.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
May 2010