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Factors affecting dental students' postgraduate plans: A multi-site study.
James L Harrison1, Christina L Platia2, Leticia Ferreira3
1Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Journal of Dental Education
|September 23, 2021
Summary
Most dental students pursue general dentistry, but many change their postgraduate plans during dental school. Understanding these career path trends is crucial for curriculum development.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Career Development
- Health Professions Workforce
Background:
- Understanding dental students' postgraduate career aspirations is vital for workforce planning.
- Factors influencing career choices and changes during dental school are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postgraduate plans of dental students across multiple US dental schools.
- To identify factors influencing these career choices and perceptions of future pathways.
- To determine the frequency and associations of changes in postgraduate plans during dental school.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to all dental class years and advanced standing students at eight US dental schools.
- The survey collected demographic data and information on career path choices and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- General dentistry residency (34.0%) and private practice (31.4%) were the most common postgraduate plans.
- Quality of life, knowledge acquisition, and intellectual satisfaction were key motivators; family influence and prestigious specialties were less important.
- General dentistry was perceived to offer the best future impact, while oral and maxillofacial surgery was favored for salary.
- 43.0% of students changed their postgraduate plans, with race and year of study being significant factors.
Conclusions:
- General dentistry remains the predominant postgraduate pathway for dental students.
- A significant proportion of dental students alter their career plans during their education, highlighting the need for better support and guidance.
- Insights into these evolving trends can inform the development of effective practice readiness curricula.
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