A Pilot Study-An Action Research to Acquire Clinical Skill

Action research in classrooms is a challenge to novice lecturers in health education. Technical action research is a model of action research which involves the main researcher as identifier of research problem and proposing an intervention. This study presents a brief view on the technical action research in developing clinical competency in undergraduate dental students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Thirty seven students of final year undergraduate dental program were divided into two groups. Action research approach was used to acquire clinical competency by facilitating learning through lecture and giving verbal feedback. All students in action research group diagnosed their problem and suggested action to improve their clinical skills. The outcome of the action is reported as significant improvement in prescription writing. The findings support the suitability of using action research approach as an appropriate method as to improve the clinical skill in undergraduate dental students.