Factors Influencing the Choice of the Dental Profession Among Saudi Dental Students and Interns

Abstract

Background: Understanding the motivations behind the selection of the dental profession is crucial for students, families, academic institutions, and researchers. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing enrollment in dental schools among dental students and interns in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on both male and female dental students and interns from seven private and public dental colleges across Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised 17 items assessing career motivations, with a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.75. Prior to distribution, the questionnaire underwent pretesting and was then administered through an online link to the participants.

Results: The study encompassed data from 637 participants, with an average age of 21.80 ± 2.14 years. The primary reason cited for selecting the dental profession was its human nature (96.4%), followed by the desire to treat individuals (90.3%) and the perceived flexibility in work (87.1%). The mean score on the scale for the sample was 63.51 ± 9.14, with male participants exhibiting a significantly higher mean score (66.03 ± 8.46) compared to their female counterparts (59.77 ± 8.84) (P < 0.001). Additionally, junior students (64.92 ± 9.02) showed a significantly higher mean score compared to senior students and interns (62.4 ± 9.09) (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlights compassion, patient care, and work flexibility as predominant reasons for choosing dentistry as a profession. Male participants, junior students, those with higher academic scores, and those with paternal education at the college/university level exhibited significantly stronger motivation towards pursuing a career in dentistry.