Feedback in Orthodontics Residency Training: The Nigerian Experience

Background: Feedback is an integral aspect of medical education necessary to promote better performance and improve self-regulation in learning. It is a two-way process of communication between an observer and the observed. Presently in Nigeria, there is insufficient information regarding feedback practices in dental residency training.

Objective: To assess the perception of Nigerian dental residents, on the practice of feedback in their training generally; and particularly in Orthodontics.

Materials and Methods: A survey was carried out among dental residents with clinical experience in orthodontics with a view to assessing their perception of feedback practices in the training. The study instrument was a 24- item structured self- administered questionnaire presented in google form. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis.

Results: Ninety-nine participants with a mean age of 33.5+ 8 were involved in the study, Forty-seven (47.5%) admitted to have heard of feedback concept. Out of 23 (23.2%) that received feedback in orthodontics, 15(65.2%) received it sometimes only. Forty-four participants (44.44%) had offensive feedback. Over half 14(60.9%) of participants that received feedback in orthodontics said the feedback they received met their learning needs. Verbal feedback and one-on-one feedback were preferred by 56(57%) and 51(52%) respondents respectively. Majority considered peer feedback as important and most of the respondents recommended the integration of regular period of individualized, interactive, and constructive feedback into their training.

Conclusion: Generally, the practice of feedback in dental specialty training in Nigeria is unsatisfactory. Less than a quarter of participants received feedback in orthodontics and verbal and one-on-one feedback protocols were preferred.