Aim: This study analyzed the self-perceived confidence of senior undergraduate dental students at the State University of Paraíba when performing different clinical procedures. Moreover, their future professional perspectives were also surveyed. Methods: A three-block semi-structured questionnaire provided information on the students’ profile (age, gender, marital status, etc.), degree of confidence (procedures/clinical situations), and professional perspectives (preferences and professional concerns). To study the results, a self-confidence index (SCI) was created, which represents the average of confidence values in the procedures questioned in the survey. Results: The students reported being more confident in providing oral hygiene instruction and performing composite restorations (class I or II), restorations and extractions in pediatric dentistry, and the selection of dental materials. By contrast, they lacked confidence in the diagnosis and treatment planning of TMD, periodontal surgery, diagnosis of oral lesions, the assistance of patients with systemic conditions, and surgical extraction of teeth with multiple roots. All study participants had an AI equal to or greater than 3 and were considered “confident” or “very confident”. The students showed a preference for working in the public service sector after graduating and were mostly concerned about low pay and their lack of knowledge in dental management. Conclusion: It was concluded, therefore, that the students showed a high level of self-confidence; however, they proved to be more confident in performing basic clinical procedures, while for more complex procedures, they were less confident. © 2022, Federal University of Minas Gerais Faculty of Dentistry. All rights reserved.
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