Abstract
Background. Given the significance of professional ethics in dentistry and the lack of standardized tools for assessing the professional behavior of dental residents, this study aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate the efficacy of an observational tool (checklist) for assessing the professional behavior of dental residents.
Methods. This exploratory study was conducted in 2 phases. In the first phase, a checklist comprising 5 domains and 30 behavioral items was developed through expert panel discussions and focused group discussions. The face and content validity (CVR and CVI) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient) of the tool were assessed. In the second phase, the acceptability and efficacy of the tool were evaluated from the perspective of 41 faculty members and 32 dental residents at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, using a questionnaire based on the reaction, learning, and behavior levels of the Kirkpatrick model. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software version 26.0.
Results. The final tool demonstrated acceptable content validity (CVI=0.79) and excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.919, ICC = 0.87). From the stakeholders' perspective, the tool was acceptable at the reaction level (agree/strongly agree; faculty: 85.4%, residents: 81.2%), effective at the learning level in increasing awareness (faculty: 68.3%, residents: 70.9%), and contributed to increased practical commitment and enhancement of professional behavior at the behavior level. However, only 50% of the residents believed that the tool had the ability to motivate them to improve their professional behavior.
Conclusion. The developed checklist was recognized as a valid, reliable, and acceptable tool for the systematic assessment of the professional behavior of dental residents. It has the potential to be used both as an assessment instrument and as an educational stimulus. Its integration into a comprehensive assessment system coupled with constructive feedback is recommended for achieving full effectiveness.
Practical Implications. The checklist designed in this study, as a valid, reliable, and acceptable tool, is considered a step forward in the direction of systematizing the assessment of professional behavior in specialized dental courses in Iran