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Arhoma N, Tantawi ME, Arheiam A. Career expectations and the motivating factors for studying dentistry in Libya. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:849. [PMID: 36476195 PMCID: PMC9730638 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated entry-level dental students' motives for studying dentistry at the University of Benghazi (UoB), Libya and career expectations among recent UoB graduates in an atypical context during the time of political unrest and identified factors associated with these motives. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021-2022 for all entry-level dental students and recent dental graduates of UoB. A self-administered survey explored motives for studying dentistry, career expectation and associated factors. The questions were adopted from previous studies and pre-validated for use among Libyan students. Motives and career expectations were summarized, and their association with potential associated factors were assessed using chi-square test at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS One hundred eighty-four entry-level students and 156 recent graduates completed the surveys, response rates = 73.6% and 62.4%, respectively. The main motives to study dentistry were the desire to work in the healthcare field (183, 99.4%), interest in scientific knowledge (178, 96.7%) and because there were various dental specialities (168, 91.3%). The most common career expectations were setting up a business (107, 68.6%) and establishing a dental clinic (105, 67.3%). In addition, preference for working in the public sector (106, 67.9%), work-life balance (102, 65.4%) and financial gain (94, 60.3%) were the main factors associated with career expectations. CONCLUSION The main motive to join a dental school in Libya was academic interest. However, recent graduates showed more pragmatic expectations related to private practice ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niroz Arhoma
- Department of Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Arheiam Arheiam
- Department of Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
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Xu C, Gao L, Zhang S, Zhang J, Li C, Zhang D, Pan Y, Liu J. Motivations and future plans of the final year students in a Chinese dental school. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:90. [PMID: 35139835 PMCID: PMC8829983 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03156-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding dental students' future career choice and motivation could provide beneficial references for both educators and students, but there were few studies on students in a Chinese dental school. The study aimed to investigate Chinese final year dental students' the short-term and long-term plans, motivations, and identify the influence of gender on the future plans. METHODS A total of 265 final year dental school students of the School of Stomatology, China Medical University from 2016 through 2020 were invited to complete an anonymous, 27-item questionnaire. Moreover, almost all of questions were in multiple-choice formats. Data were categorized and analysed using chi-square comparative analyses. RESULTS 88.3% of respondents decided to pursue a graduate degree after graduating from dental school. Moreover, the single most important reason influencing their plans was "eligible for better jobs" (42.8%). More females than males studied dentistry (222 vs 111), and gender had an influence on the choice of specialty. CONCLUSIONS This study listed the selection tendency and influencing factors of students in a Chinese dental school for the reference of educators and students. And the results could raise some useful influence and feedback effect on current health and education policy, and on the career development of practicing dentists or dental students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xu
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Liang Gao
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Jiamin Zhang
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Yaping Pan
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China
| | - Jingbo Liu
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning province, China.
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den Boer JCL, van den Bosch LJ, van Dam BAFM, Bruers JJM. Work situation and prospects of recently graduated dentists in the Netherlands. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2021; 25:837-845. [PMID: 33474782 PMCID: PMC8596787 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dentists who have graduated recently from a Dutch dental school work mainly in the Netherlands, where collaboration and differentiation are relevant factors. Furthermore, the Netherlands face regional undersupplies of dentists. The objective of this study was to describe choices and aims of recently graduated dentists for the near future. MATERIALS AND METHODS An invitation for the web questionnaire was sent by e-mail to 945 dentists who had graduated from a Dutch dental school between 2013 and 2017, of whom 230 (24.3%) participated in the survey. RESULTS Approximately three quarters (77%) of the recently graduated dentists worked as a general dentist in a practice of some else, primarily in urban areas. The choice for a practice was affected by location, earnings, and the opportunity to gain experience. Furthermore, the career choices were affected most by the desired length of the working week and financial security. The narrow majority (53%) of the recently graduated dentists believed that in 5 years they will be practice owner; 49% expected to be a differentiated dentist. Furthermore, 41% believed they will work in a smaller municipality. DISCUSSION Although recently graduated dentists seem receptive to work in smaller municipalities, the peripheral regions are conceivably less appealing. Practice ownership conceivably is an option for the near future for a narrow majority of the recently graduated dentists. CONCLUSION Recently graduated dentists have different preferences regarding their work situation in 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost C. L. den Boer
- Department of Research & InformationRoyal Dutch Dental Association (KNMT)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of Social DentistryAcademic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Luuk J. van den Bosch
- Tandheelkundig Centrum Stad van de ZonHeerhugowaardThe Netherlands
- Tandheelkundig Centrum ObdamObdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Josef J. M. Bruers
- Department of Research & InformationRoyal Dutch Dental Association (KNMT)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of Social DentistryAcademic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Shetty S, Shetty R, Narasimhan S, Al-Bayati S, Abdelmagyd H, El-Sayed W, Sreedharan J. A University-based Survey of Career Choices and Perspectives on Higher Education among Dental Students in United Arab Emirates. Open Dent J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874210602115010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Over the past decade, higher education has made significant progress in the Gulf Corporation Council Region (GCC) due to the promotion and investments made by the local governments. Medical and dental higher education has undergone massive transformation across all the universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the implementation of innovative educational policies.
Objectives:
The objective of the survey was to determine the career choices and assess the perspectives on higher education among dental students of a medical university in the UAE.
Methodology:
Structured closed-ended survey questionnaire was provided to 377 respondents at a dental school of a private medical university in UAE.
Results:
The results of the survey revealed that 51% of the respondents wanted to pursue specialization in dentistry. Orthodontics (33%), endodontics (28%) and oral surgery (16%) were the most preferred branches for specialization. UAE was the most preferred destination for pursuing specialization. Quality of education and proximity to the family were the most common reasons for selecting UAE as the destination for specialization. 36% of the survey respondents wanted more dental post-graduate seats to be available in the UAE. 57% of the survey respondents felt that the cost of post-graduation is comparable to other countries. 64% of the survey respondents felt that Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) program should be offered by medical universities in the UAE.
Conclusion:
To conclude it can be stated that dental undergraduate students in the UAE prefer to pursue specialization in clinical branches like orthodontics, endodontics and oral surgery. Majority of the respondents prefer to pursue their specialization in the UAE due to the quality of education. Survey respondents felt that there was a need to offer more dental post-graduation and dental PhD programs by UAE universities.
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Women in Maxillofacial Surgery and Otolaryngology; Career Obstacles and Success Factors. J Craniofac Surg 2021; 32:874-877. [PMID: 33038181 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000007132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Little is known on career factors and expectations for female oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in developing countries. The study aimed to explore career perceptions of females in 2 related surgical specialties: oral and maxillofacial surgery and otolaryngology (ENT) with a focus on career obstacles and success factors. A structured questionnaire was distributed to female surgeons working in Jordan in the 2 surgical specialties. Questions addressed socio-professional characteristics and career-promoting and hindering factors. All surgeons registered in both specialties were invited. A total of 56 surgeons participated in the survey. Age range was 29 to 55 years (mean = 38.55 ± 5.799). Significantly more OMFS surgeons were single (P = 0.000) younger (P = 0.003), and had fewer years of experience (P = 0.01) than ENT surgeons. Significantly more ENT surgeons perceived the "hard working" attribute and "better communication skills" as career-promoting factors (P = 0.04, P = 0.015, respectively). Further, significantly more ENT surgeons believed that females in the surgical profession help in changing the traditional surgical stereotype linked with the male gender (93.8% ENT in contrast to 75% OMFS, P = 0.047), and expressed a preference for female mentors (48% ENT in contrast to 0% OMFS, P = 0.000). The results of this study indicate that female OMFS surgeons have different socio-professional characteristics and perceptions to their peers in ENT surgery, and this mainly manifested in professional experience, marital status, and important career perceptions. They seem to lack confidence in female participation and promotion of the surgical career, and they show preference for having exclusively male mentors.
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Mei L, Lai Y, Lee P, Ng A, Tan K, Zafar S, Guan G. Final year dental students' career plans, work patterns, work-life balance and domestic life in New Zealand and Australia. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2020; 24:679-686. [PMID: 32537849 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Having insight into final year dental students' career planning is vital in maintaining and enhancing the quality of dental education. The aim of this study was to investigate final year dental students' career plans, work patterns, work-life balance and domestic life, in New Zealand and Australia. METHODS The design of the study was a two-centred cross-sectional study. RESULTS A total of 148 students, including 95 females (64%) and 53 males (36%), completed the survey (response rate = 87%). The mean age of students across two Australasian universities was 23 ± 3 years. Findings from this study demonstrate that students prefer their first job is an urban, full-time and salary-based with a good mentor. However, when describing their long-term planning, work-life balance becomes more important. The growth in the number of female dentists will continue to shape the future patterns of our dental profession. CONCLUSION The current study has highlighted several similarity and differences in career plans, work patterns, work-life balance and domestic life between two Australasian universities. The information might be useful for the policymakers involved in future workforce planning and infrastructure and for those involved in the delivery of dental education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Mei
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yvonne Lai
- Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peter Lee
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Austin Ng
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Tan
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sobia Zafar
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Guangzhao Guan
- Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Teachers’ practices and children's motivation towards science learning in MENA countries: Evidence from Tunisia and UAE. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Alrashdan MS, Alazzam M, Alkhader M, Phillips C. Career perspectives of senior dental students from different backgrounds at a single Middle Eastern institution. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:283. [PMID: 30477562 PMCID: PMC6257955 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences between dental students in terms of social, economic and cultural backgrounds are likely to impact their professional career plans. The aim of this study was to explore the professional career plans among final year dental students from different backgrounds at a single Middle Eastern institution (Jordan university of Science and Technology-JUST). METHODS Fifth year dental students at JUST were invited to fill out a paper based self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected on students` demographics, their future career plans and the impact of social and economic changes on such plans, their interest in postgraduate studies and the specialty of choice in addition to the influence of a group of factors on that choice. Data was also collected on the value of non-academic workshops, guidance regarding career plans, participants` preferred pattern of work (full-time versus part-time) and retirement plans. Students were categorized according to their nationalities. Pearson's chi squared test, one way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used to measure statistical significance between measured variables and backgrounds of participants. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS A total of 227 students completed the survey (response rate = 84%). 47% of the participants were Jordanians, 27% were Malaysians, 11% were from Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar), 10% were from conflict zones in the Middle East (Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen) and 5% comprised students from other nationalities. Significant differences were found between students from different backgrounds in their funding sources (Chi square = 132, P < 0.01), practice plans (Chi square = 43, P < 0.01), the impact of social and economic changes on their career choices (Chi square = 34, P < 0.01), planned work pattern within the first 10 years post-graduation (chi square = 18, P < 0.05) and 10-20 years after graduation (69%, Chi square = 22, P < 0.01) and retirement plans (Chi square = 25, P < 0.05). Students from different nationalities agreed on most factors affecting their choice of a specialty, except for the reputation of the specialty (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Several differences in career plans were found between dental students from variable backgrounds studying a single institution. Many of these disparities could reflect variations in socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S. Alrashdan
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110 Jordan
| | - Melanie Alazzam
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110 Jordan
| | - Mustafa Alkhader
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110 Jordan
| | - Ceib Phillips
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Projected speciality career choices among undergraduate dental students in Scotland. Br Dent J 2017; 224:32-37. [DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Kettler N, Frenzel Baudisch N, Micheelis W, Klingenberger D, Jordan AR. Professional identity, career choices, and working conditions of future and young dentists in Germany - study design and methods of a nationwide comprehensive survey. BMC Oral Health 2017; 17:127. [PMID: 29047349 PMCID: PMC5648425 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-017-0417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known regarding young and future dentists' career choices, professional identity, and working conditions in Germany. While the dental healthcare environment and demands in treatment are changing, it remains unclear what job perceptions young dentists have developed at the beginning of their work life and if and how these perceptions change during the subsequent years. The aim of this study was to survey future and young dentists regarding their professional identity, planned career paths, and working conditions and strains to understand career decisions and choices and enable policy makers to include future dentists' views and expectations in their decisions. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a longitudinal nationwide survey over a time span of 4 years of dental students and young dentists in Germany and is comprised of three waves. The first wave focuses on dental students in their final year before the state examination and is composed of a qualitative pre-study in the form of focus groups and a quantitative main survey in the form of a questionnaire. The end points were established to analyse (1) the professional identity of the young future dentists; (2) their career paths, preparation for a career, and basic career conditions; and (3) perceived conditions and strains. The aim of the overall survey was to depict the development of these three aspects during the first years of work life. All of the questions were evaluated with a descriptive univariate analysis. The analysed subgroups were grouped according to gender, target working condition (employed/self-employed), and primary socialisation (parents dentists/parents not dentists). DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the only study which focuses on career choices, professional identity, and working conditions of future and young dentists in Germany. The longitudinal observation provides information that is essential for professional and purposive dental health care planning, and to meet the oral health demands and needs of the German population appropriately over the long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Health Services Research Data Bank VfD_Y-Dent_14_003759 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Kettler
- Institute of German Dentists (IDZ), Universitaetsstrasse 73, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | | | - Wolfgang Micheelis
- Institute of German Dentists (IDZ), Universitaetsstrasse 73, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Klingenberger
- Institute of German Dentists (IDZ), Universitaetsstrasse 73, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Rainer Jordan
- Institute of German Dentists (IDZ), Universitaetsstrasse 73, 50931, Cologne, Germany
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Final-Year Dental Undergraduate Attitudes towards Specialisation. Dent J (Basel) 2016; 4:dj4030026. [PMID: 29563468 PMCID: PMC5806943 DOI: 10.3390/dj4030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes towards postgraduate specialisation of final-year students at one UK dental school and to identify any possible influencing factors. A cross-sectional survey of all 73 final-year students using an anonymous self-report questionnaire was carried out. The response rate was 79%, of which nearly two-thirds were female. Age, ethnicity and parental occupation did not have an effect on the intention to specialise, although student gender did, with more females not wishing to specialise (p = 0.006). Having a ‘talent in the field’ had the largest positive influence on pursuing a specialist career (37.9% of responses), whilst the length of time needed to obtain a specialist qualification was seen as the largest negative influence (41.1% of responses). The two most popular subjects were Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics with 24.1% and 20.7% of students listing them as their first choices, respectively. Further research could be carried out to determine if the intentions of UK undergraduates to specialise will meet the increasing specialist oral health needs of the population and which could ultimately influence future dental workforce planning.
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Che Musa MF, Bernabé E, Gallagher JE. Career expectations and influences among dental students in Malaysia. Int Dent J 2016; 66:229-36. [PMID: 26850836 DOI: 10.1111/idj.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is important to understand career expectations of emerging dental graduates if human resources are to be harnessed in support of oral health. The aims of this study were to explore students' career expectations and their perceived influences, and to examine variation according to student and school characteristics. METHODS All final-year students registered for 2013/2014 across 11 dental schools in Malaysia were invited to participate in a self-administered questionnaire (n = 530). The instrument explored short- and long-term career expectations, influences and students' background using a mix of open- and closed-ended questions. The chi-square test was used for comparison according to student and school characteristics. RESULTS Three-hundred and fifty-six (83%) students, across eight schools, completed the questionnaire. In the short term, undertaking specialist training (46%) was the most commonly cited career goal, and achieving financial stability (79%) was the greatest influence. In the long term, 59% planned to specialise (with a significant difference found according to ethnic group), and 67% considered working full-time, with men significantly more likely to do so than women (P = 0.036). More Malay students (90%) ranked childcare commitments as an important influence on the number of sessions they planned to work per week compared with Chinese students (75%) and Others (74%; P = 0.001). Work-life balance (95%) and high income/financial security (95%) were the main influences on respondents' long-term goals. CONCLUSION There was a high level of interest in specialisation and a desire to achieve financial stability and work-life balance in the group of dental students who responded to the survey. Long-term career expectations varied according to student but not according to school characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhd Firdaus Che Musa
- Division of Population and Patient Health, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK.,Department of Dental Public Health, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Eduardo Bernabé
- Division of Population and Patient Health, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Jennifer E Gallagher
- Division of Population and Patient Health, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
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Gallagher JE, Manickam S, Wilson NHF. Sultanate of Oman: building a dental workforce. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2015; 13:50. [PMID: 26093908 PMCID: PMC4490677 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-015-0037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A medium- and long-term perspective is required in human resource development to ensure that future needs and demands for oral healthcare are met by the most appropriate health professionals. This paper presents a case study of the Sultanate of Oman, one of the Gulf States with a current population of 3.8 million, which has initiated dental training through the creation of a dental college. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this paper are first to describe trends in the dental workforce in Oman from 1990 to date and compare the dental workforce with its medical counterparts in Oman and with other countries, and second, to consider future dental workforce in the Sultanate. METHODS Data were collected from published sources, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Manpower (MoM), and Ministry of National Economy (MoNE)-Sultanate of Oman; the World Health Organization (WHO); World Bank; and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Dentist-to-population ratios were compared nationally, regionally and globally for medicine and dentistry. Dental graduate outputs were mapped onto the local supply. Future trends were examined using population growth predictions, exploring the expected impact in relation to global, regional and European workforce densities. RESULTS Population growth in Oman is increasing at a rate of over 2% per year. Oman has historically been dependent upon an expatriate dental workforce with only 24% of the dentist workforce Omani in 2010 (n = 160). Subsequent to Oman Dental College (ODC) starting to qualify dental (BDS) graduates in 2012, there is an increase in the annual growth of the dentist workforce. On the assumption that all future dental graduates from ODC have an opportunity to practise in Oman, ODC graduates will boost the annual Omani dentist growth rate starting at 28% per annum from 2012 onwards, building capacity towards global (n = 1711) and regional levels (Gulf State: n = 2167) in the medium term. CONCLUSION The output of dental graduates from Oman Dental College is improving the dentist-to-population ratio and helping the Sultanate to realize its aim of developing an Omani-majority dental workforce. The implications for retention of dentists and team training are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Gallagher
- Division of Population and Patient Health, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas's Hospitals, Denmark Hill Campus, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
| | | | - Nairn H F Wilson
- King's College London Dental Institute, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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Osuagwu UL, Briggs ST, Chijuka JC, Alanazi SA, Ogbuehi KC. Factors influencing Saudi Arabian optometry candidates' career choices and institution of learning. Why do Saudi students choose to study optometry? Clin Exp Optom 2014; 97:442-9. [PMID: 25082438 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optometry is a primary health-care profession (PHCP) and this study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing the choice of optometry as a career for Saudi students, the students' perceptions of optometry and the effect of gender. METHODS Two hundred and forty-seven students whose average age was 21.7 ± 1.5 (SD) years and who are currently enrolled in two colleges of optometry in Saudi Arabia--King Saud University (KSU) and Qassim University (QU)--completed self-administered questionnaires. The survey included questions concerning demography, career first choice, career perception and factors influencing career choices. RESULTS The response rate was 87.6 per cent and there were 161 male (64.9 per cent) students. Seventy-nine per cent of the participants were from KSU (males and females) and 20.6 per cent were from QU (only males). Seventy-three per cent come from Riyadh and 19 per cent are from Qassim province. Regarding the first choice for their careers, the females (92 per cent) were 0.4 times more likely (p = 0.012) to choose optometry than males (78.3 per cent). The males were significantly more likely to be influenced by the following factors: the Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs run at both universities, good salary and prospects (p < 0.05, for all). The women were significantly less likely to be influenced by another individual (p = 0.0004). Generally, more than two-thirds of the respondents viewed the desire to help others, professional prestige and the new OD programs as the three most influential factors in opting for a career in optometry. CONCLUSION Females were more likely to opt for a career in optometry and males were more likely to be influenced by the new OD programs, good salary and job prospects. Service provision to others in the community was a primary motivation to opt for a career in optometry among young Saudis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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