Introduction: This study analysed the internal and external factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees.
Participants and methods: We created transcripts from oral presentations by the dental trainees of Hiroshima University Hospital ( n = 35, 2012-2013) at a significant event analysis conference. The reflection depths were compared between the trainees of the university hospital and external clinical combination groups. We determined and statistically analysed the reflection depths.
Results: At the end of training, a Mann-Whitney U-test revealed a significant difference in the median reflection depths of the groups ( U = 66, W = 342 and P = 0.007). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relation between the reflection depth and external training completion ( P = 0.024). There were no relations with other factors, including gender and academic background.
Conclusion: Experiences in external clinics create a close connection between the staff and trainees because communities of practice can cause deeper reflections. We need to create small groups in large-scale organisations such as university hospitals. This construct can be adapted not only for Japanese dental trainees but also for global dental and other medical trainees.