238 - Impact of On-Call Shift Frequency on Clinical Preparedness

Title:
Impact of On-Call Shift Frequency During Pediatric Dental Training on Clinical Preparedness

Purpose:
To evaluate the impact of on-call shift frequency on clinical preparedness, confidence, and ability to manage stressful situations among pediatric dental trainees.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric dental residents and recent graduates using an anonymous online questionnaire. Variables assessed included on-call frequency (shifts/month), exposure to high-pressure situations, perceived support during on-call, sleep duration, and stress intensity. Outcomes included clinical preparedness, confidence, and ability to manage stressful situations, measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were analyzed using Spearman correlation. Participants were grouped into low (≤4 shifts/month) and high (>4 shifts/month) on-call frequency, with comparisons performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of preparedness. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:
A total of 175 participants completed the survey. On-call frequency was positively correlated with clinical preparedness (r = 0.306, p < 0.001), confidence (r = 0.243, p = 0.0012), and ability to manage stressful situations (r = 0.214, p = 0.0047). Perceived support was also significantly associated with preparedness (r = 0.230, p = 0.0022). Participants with >4 shifts/month demonstrated significantly higher preparedness compared to those with ≤4 shifts/month (p < 0.001). Multivariable regression identified on-call frequency (β = 0.266, p = 0.0004), perceived support (β = 0.184, p = 0.0128), and high-pressure exposure (β = 0.188, p = 0.048) as independent predictors. Sleep duration and stress intensity were not significant (R² = 0.158).

Conclusions:
Higher on-call frequency is associated with improved clinical preparedness and confidence among pediatric dental trainees. Structured support and exposure to high-pressure cases further enhance preparedness. These findings suggest that optimizing on-call experiences may improve training outcomes.