Publications

Scholarly Journals--Published

• James L. Harrison DMD, Christina L. Platia DDS, Leticia Ferreira DDS, MS, Margaret Soh DDS, Juan M. Bugueño DDS, MS, Tammy L. Thompson DDS, Ryan L. Quock DDS, Matthew Finkelman PhD, Naciye G. Uzel DMD, DMSc. Factors affecting dental students’ postgraduate plans: A multi-site study. J Dent Educ. 2022; 86: 124– 135. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.12792 Abstract Purpose:This multi-site study examined dental students’ postgraduate plansand factors affecting them, perceptions of pathways with the best future, andwhether those postgraduate plans changed during dental school. Methods:An online survey was made available to all four dental classes (2018,2019, 2020, and 2021) and advanced standing/international dental students ateight US dental schools. The survey questionnaire consisted of two parts: (1) 14questions pertaining to demographic information and (2) 11 questions pertainingto career path choices and possible influencing factors. Results:Overall response rate was approximately 38.4% (1459/3800). For thoseresponding 34.0% planned to enroll in a general dentistry residency, followedby associate dentist in a private practice (31.4%), and specialty residency (17.6%).Quality of life, to increase knowledge/clinical skills, and intellectual satisfactionwere most often rated extremely important factors; Influence of family membersin dentistry and prestigious specialty received the most responses of not impor-tant. General dentistry was perceived to have the best future in terms of overallimpact on the profession, potential for positive impact on patient’s quality of life,and personal quality of life; oral and maxillofacial surgery was believed to havethe best future in terms of salary. Students changed their postgraduate plan dur-ing dental school 43.0% of the time, with race (p=0.006) and year of progresstoward degree (p<0.001) being significant associations. Conclusions:General dentistry remains the most popular pathway. Many den-tal students change their plans during dental school; a better understanding ofthese trends and contributing factors may aid development of practice readinesscurricula. (11/2021) (link)