The Methodological Evaluation of General Dentistry Students’ Theses in Shiraz Dentistry School (2006-2008)

Introduction: Considering the impact of dissertations on students’ improvement in scientific knowledge and regarding the fact that methodology is the cornerstone of every research endeavor the present study aimed to investigate the research methodology applied in dissertations of general dentistry students in School of Dentistry at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences which were accomplished throughout 2006 to 2008. Methods: Using census sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 theses of general dentistry at Dentistry School of SUMS presented throughout 2006 to 2008. A researcher-made questionnaire was the data collection tool and the data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANNOVA, two-way ANNOVA, and Tukey test Results: Findings showed two-thirds of the dissertations were cross-sectional studies, and analytical and intervention research studies accounted for a small proportion of the samples. Also, in none of the studies, the methodology had been thoroughly and properly explained. Conclusion: Given the results, more closely-monitored supervision is felt necessary. Workshops and pamphlets on scientific writing and research might also help raise students’ awareness on research writing patterns and procedures. Improving the quality of services provided by research counseling could be of further help in this regard