Factors that influenced students to matriculate at a northeastern dental school: A comparative study

There is a robust body of research on which factors dental schools consider when selecting students for acceptance, but there is considerably less research regarding what factors dental applicants consider when selecting a particular program. The aim of this investigation was to better understand which factors most influenced students to matriculate at a particular dental school and how the value of these factors has changed over time.

To answer this research question, an online survey was utilized to determine why students chose to attend Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CUCDM). This survey was administered to students in the Class of 2023 and was compared to the responses of an identical survey that was administered to the Class of 2013. The response rate for the classes of 2013 and 2023 were 70.0% and 42.2%, respectively. Results from the Classes of 2013 and 2023 were analyzed using independent sample T-tests.

The Class of 2013 ranked academic reputation, location, and admissions into specialty programs as the three most important factors in their selection of a dental school. The Class of 2023 ranked tuition cost, perceived patient pool, and financial aid as their three most important factors.

For dental schools to continue to successfully attract and enroll students, they must understand what motivates a student to matriculate in a specific dental program. One way to accomplish this is through the use of a survey.