Investigating motivations, expectations, and barriers among prospective dental students
Niamh Coffey1, Isabel Olegário1, Cathy E Richards1
1School of Dentistry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
Objective:
To investigate the motivations, expectations, and perceived barriers among prospective students considering a career in dentistry, with the aim of informing future recruitment strategies and enhancing access to dental education.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among attendees of a university open day event in Ireland who expressed interest in pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS) degree. The survey captured demographic information, career motivations, anticipated challenges in dental school, perceived barriers to entry, alternative career considerations, and university selection preferences. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while open-ended responses were thematically categorised and presented.
Results:
A total of 87 respondents completed the survey. The cohort was predominantly female (67.8 %) and EU-based (97.7 %), with most students residing in Dublin or surrounding counties. Interest in science and healthcare, helping people, and financial stability were the most frequently cited motivations for pursuing dentistry. The primary anticipated challenge was academic workload, followed by financial constraints, work-life balance, and clinical training. Key skills identified for success included communication, resilience, manual dexterity, and scientific knowledge. The main perceived barriers were academic difficulty, financial cost, and geographic location.
Conclusion:
This exploratory survey characterises the motivations and perceived barriers of students considering dentistry, demonstrating strong intrinsic interest in science/healthcare and helping others, balanced with realistic concerns about academic workload, costs, and access. Interpreted in context, these findings underscore the value of early engagement and support strategies, and suggest that dental admissions processes should consider broader, more holistic criteria to attract and retain a diverse, and suitable applicant pool.
Clinical Significance:
Identifying motivations and barriers among prospective dental students supports more inclusive, holistic recruitment strategies that can strengthen the future dental workforce and, ultimately, patient care delivery.
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