Conceptual Framework Explaining "Preparedness for Practice" of Dental Graduates: A Systematic Review

The lack of a comprehensive conceptual framework explaining the construct of "preparedness for dental practice" necessitates an in-depth exploration and synthesis of the literature. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to develop a conceptual framework explaining the construct of "preparedness for practice" among dental graduates and to identify the factors influencing the construct through a synthesis of the literature. Articles identified for the review were selected from the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host. They were analyzed using the framework method of qualitative content analysis to understand the underlying conceptualization of preparedness. Thematic analysis using a grounded theory approach was performed to understand the pathways through which various factors influence preparedness. A conceptual framework explaining preparedness constituted by six domains emerged: academic and technical competence, communication and interpersonal skills, protective mechanisms and adaptive skills, professional attitude and ethical judgment, clinical entrepreneurship and financial solvency skills, and social and community orientation. The factors influencing preparedness were identified under the three themes of training-related factors, gender and experience of graduates, and opportunity of internship along with the nature of post-training work experience. The synthesis provides a conceptual framework explaining preparedness for dental practice and draws attention to the need for further research to understand the construct. The factors influencing preparedness suggest that dental training needs to be reflective of actual workplaces and situations that graduates will encounter as independent practitioners.