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Student drop-out from UK dental schools
1Department of Dental Prosthetics and Gerontology, University of Dundee.
British Dental Journal
|May 10, 1997
Summary
Student drop-out rates in United Kingdom (UK) dental schools are increasing, posing a significant challenge. This trend threatens future dentist supply and could worsen existing shortages.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Higher Education Statistics
Background:
- Student attrition is a concern in higher education.
- Understanding dental student drop-out is crucial for workforce planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify dental student attrition in UK dental schools.
- To identify trends in dental student drop-out rates over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of University Statistical Record data.
- Inclusion of all dental students entering and leaving UK dental schools (1989-1994).
Main Results:
- UK dental school drop-out rates varied between 8.4% and 16.8% from 1989 to 1994.
- A significant increase in drop-out rates was observed in the later years (1992-1994) compared to earlier years (1989-1991).
Conclusions:
- Dental student drop-out is an escalating issue in the UK.
- Unchecked attrition will reduce the number of qualified dentists, potentially exacerbating future shortages.