Attitude of Dental Students about effective factors on Attendance in Theoretical Classes

Introduction: Attendance of students in theoretical classes is one of the requirements of the educational environment that has been neglected in recent years. Therefore, the purpose of this study is investigating the factors affecting the presence of dental students of Isfahan Dental School in theoretical classes. Methods: This descriptive cross- sectional study was performed on all undergraduate students of Isfahan Dental School from the entrance of the 2013 to 2016. The census was conducted by a questionnaire containing 34 questions which the reliability and validity were confirmed. Data were analyzed using Chi- square test, T-test and One- way analysis of variance, Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS.  Results:  A total of 267 students ,50/6% (135 persons) were boys and 62/9% (168 persons) lived with their families. The mean age of the students was 23/43 ± 2/77. From the students' attitude, the field of professors and their teaching methods (3/91±0/51) was the most effective factor and the field of students' problems (3/53±0/95) had the least effect on students' presence in theoretical classes. The most important factors affecting the presence of students were the teacher's teaching method (73/8%) and the applicability of the subjects presented on the patient's bedside (72/7%). The mean scores of all fields except the students᾽ problems field were significantly higher in the girls rather than the boys. Conclusion: From the students' point of view, professors have a very special role in the attendance of students in theoretical classes, therefore improving the quality of ' teaching, holding expression art workshops, as well as promoting and modifying educational programs, will help students to reduce their absence from the class.