Changes in dental students' personal needs and values

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Dental Education
• Longitudinal Studies

Background:

• Dental education aims to shape students' professional attitudes and values.
• Understanding the impact of educational environments on personality is crucial for effective pedagogy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally assess changes in personality characteristics of dental students.
• To determine the influence of dental education on students' values and personal needs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Study of Values and Edwards Personal Preference Schedule.
• Compared personality scale scores of dental students from freshman to senior year.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in 21 scale scores between freshmen and seniors.
• Dental education demonstrated a minimal effect on the personal needs, values, and attitudes of students.

Conclusions:

• Dental school curriculum appears to have a limited effect on students' core personality traits.
• Admissions processes should prioritize assessing applicants' values and needs.
• Faculty should reinforce attitudes and values conducive to well-integrated personal and professional lives.