YouTube As a Learning Tool for Clinical Procedures: A National Survey of Malaysian Dental Students

This national cross-sectional study investigated the role of YouTube as a supplementary learning tool for clinical procedures among undergraduate dental students in Malaysia. The study examined the frequency of use, the types of procedures most frequently searched, and students' reasons for relying on YouTube as a learning resource. A validated 22-item questionnaire was distributed online to students from 13 dental faculties under the Malaysian Dental Students' Association. The survey covered demographics, perceptions of video credibility, and reliance on YouTube for clinical learning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to identify associations between variables. A total of 154 students participated. Of these, 60.4% reported being very likely to consult a YouTube video before performing a new clinical procedure. Convenience and accessibility were the most common reasons for use (17.3%). Prosthodontics (20.5%) was the most frequently viewed discipline, followed by endodontics (18.3%) and oral and maxillofacial surgery (15.8%). YouTube is widely used by Malaysian dental students to supplement clinical training, particularly for procedural learning. Concerns regarding content accuracy and reliability highlight the need for faculty guidance and evidence-based resources. Dental faculties should consider curating institutional video content and training students in critical appraisal of online resources. Integrating curated digital materials into curricula may strengthen clinical preparedness, student confidence, and competency.