Identification of Core Competencies Required in Endodontics for Undergraduate Students in Syrian Dental Schools Using a Modified Delphi Technique: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND There is a worldwide movement toward competency-based medical education (CBME) to equip dental students with essential competencies required to meet healthcare needs. In Syria, dental faculties currently lack a formal competency-based curriculum for endodontics at undergraduate level. Moreover, the quality of root canal treatment (RCT) performed by general dentists is frequently described as inadequate or substandard. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a national consensus on the required competencies for undergraduate endodontics in Syria, in order to establish a foundation for a standardized national curriculum, which can guide educators in adopting best practices in both dental education and clinical endodontics. METHODS This study was conducted at Syrian Virtual University between April and June 2025. A modified Delphi technique was used to determine endodontics competencies. Initially, a group of 5 Syrian endodontics consultants identified preliminary competencies. In the first round, 53 experts evaluated these competencies using a 5-point Likert scale. Based on these results, a second round was conducted with 38 experts. Competencies with a weighted average above 4.20 were considered essential. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Package 27, and survey reliability was measured by Cronbach’s Alpha. RESULTS Following the final Delphi round, a set of 31 competencies was established, comprising 9 knowledge, 13 skills, and 9 attitudes competencies. Cronbach’s Alpha was more than 0.9 in 1st and 2nd round. The standard deviation across all questionnaires was low (≤ 0.85), The standard error was also minimal (≤ 0.12). CONCLUSIONS This study identified a set of core endodontic competencies for undergraduate level in Syria. These competencies are intended to support students in acquiring the required knowledge, skills and Attitudes, and assisting policymakers in implementing (CBME) within Syria and similar contexts.