University Dental Internship Mastery: From Training Evaluation to the Development of a Competency Framework: A Pilot Study

Background: A training program for University Internship Supervisors in Dentistry (UISD) was created from scratch in 2022 at the Faculty of Dentistry in Tours. Designed to prepare practitioners for the role of UISD, it is structured into three distinct modules, each with specific educational objectives. The first module, dedicated to the supervision of students during observation internships, has been delivered for three years. Aim: To assess the experience of UISDs as trainers, to identify their perceptions of their role, and to assess their expectations regarding the future development of this training. The study also aimed to propose a knowledge and competency framework that could serve as a basis for this first module. Methods: A qualitative approach was used, based on semi-structured individual interviews with trained UISDs who had supervised students during observation internships. Interviews were coded and analyzed inductively. Results: A total of 19 UISDs participated in the study. The mean age was 49.4 years, with an average of 23.9 years of private practice experience. Providing high-quality supervision to students in their offices was considered a major priority. Based on these results, the UISD training program was revised to identify four structuring themes for a competency framework: the internship environment, required knowledge, interpersonal skills (soft skills), and practical skills (know-how). Conclusions: The UISD training program in dentistry, designed for observation internships, has been adapted to meet practitioners’ expectations and has evolved into an initial structured framework of competencies and knowledge for supervising students during observation internships. This framework will require ongoing refinement.