Projected speciality career choices amongst undergraduate dental students in Scotland

Lee, Y. and Ross, A. (2018) Projected speciality career choices amongst undergraduate dental students in Scotland. British Dental Journal, 224(1), pp. 32-37. (doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.1002) (PMID:29192687)

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Abstract

Background: Despite increased numbers of dental specialists, around 90% of dentists in the UK continue to work in general practice. Previous research shows that undergraduate students indicate interest in speciality careers, however few studies have explored which specialties are of interest, when and why. The aim of this study was to explore whether Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) undergraduates attending Glasgow Dental School (GDS) indicate a desire to pursue a speciality career, why, and the extent to which they feel prepared in this regard. Method: We conducted an internet-based survey (response rate 81%; n = 331) of all GDS students between October and November 2016. Results: One hundred and eighty-six students (56%) had decided to specialise. Seventy-eight percent of these students cited enjoyment of that service, or types of patient seen, as the single most influencing factor on their choice. Oral surgery was the most popular choice where one was indicated (35%), followed by orthodontics (26%). Just 14% of BDS4-5 students felt sufficiently exposed to cases in their chosen speciality. A large majority (88%) said they would like information regarding speciality pathways at BDS3 or before. Conclusions: Educators should provide undergraduate students with information about specialties in a structured way, so that they can consider available options.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ross, Dr Alastair
Authors: Lee, Y., and Ross, A.
Subjects:R Medicine > RK Dentistry
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:British Dental Journal
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group for the British Dental Association
ISSN:0007-0610
ISSN (Online):1476-5373
Published Online:01 December 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Springer Nature
First Published:First published in British Dental Journal 224(1): 32-37
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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