Background: Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is a contemporary tool for Work Based Performance Assessment (WBPA). Although there have been few reports about its good acceptability and feasibility in general medical education, there are very few data available regarding the same in the field of Dentistry. Hence, this study was planned with an aim of assessing the perception of students as well as faculty towards DOPS as a method for skill assessment in the subject of Periodontology in terms of acceptability and feasibility. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to record the feedback of the 40 students of Final year BDS during their postings in Periodontology Department and after exposing them to the DOPS method of assessment. Similar feedback was taken by the faculty members who were pre-trained in the method and conducted the assessment. Their feed backs were then descriptively analyzed for evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the DOPS. Results: The assessment of the feedback showed that 97% students and all faculty members have chosen DOPS over conventional method which indicated its significant acceptability amongst the study group. There was a positive consensus regarding the feasibility as well and certain concerns regarding the same were met by suggestions made by the participants. Conclusion: As per the perception of students and faculty members, DOPS appears to be an acceptable and feasible tool for skill assessment during formative assessment in the subject of Periodontology.

Keywords: DOPS; Assessment; Dental; Education Technology.