Evaluation of Effectiveness of Basic Life Support (BLS) Training and Retention of BLS Knowledge and Skills 8 Months after Training Undergraduate Dental Students

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, skills and learning outcomes of dental fourth-class students after basic life support (BLS) course and to analyse the effectiveness and retention of BLS training after 8 months. Methods: 52 dental school fifth class students who had received BLS training 1 hour per week and 1 hour practical course over a period of 4 weeks during their 4th year by a certified anaesthesiologist were included. The students were assessed with a test during both at the fourth and fifth years. Following the second test, a practical examination was performed with the same testing scenario on a manikin. Results: Students showed a significant improvement after 8 months in defining the sequence of actions of BLS (p<0.001). However, when compared in terms of providing air-way opening and applying the automated external defibrillator, the difference was not significant. In the practical exam, students achieved many parts of the algorithm correctly, such as checking for response and opening the airway. The students were able to perform opening the airway and giving chest compressions successfully. However; there was a significant decrease in their abilities in defining the sequences of actions of BLS. Conclusion: These results emphasize the necessity of continuous repetition of BLS training during dental education.