Factors Influencing Career Choices of Dental Students in a State University in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the careerchoices of students in Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry in the 2014-2015academic year.Methods: Data were collected from 468 dental students by using a 55-itemquestionnaire.Results: Mean age of students were 21.6 (range 17-25); 300(64.1%) of them werefemale and 168(35.9%) were male. Two hundred two (43.2%) students indicatedthat their first choice was dentistry. If they were to make a choice for a second time,196(41.9%) of students would again prefer dentistry as their career. There wasa significant difference between the year of study and the statement “I will preferdentistry again” (p<0.05). In fact, 45(49.5%) of first-year students claimed that theywould choose dentistry again, whereas 35(41.7%) of fifth-year students stated theopposite. As being passed to higher classes, the percentage of students who willprefer dentistry again decreased. One hundred forty one (30.1%) of all studentsreported wanting to change their career. It was stated as reasons for changingcareers that being a dental student was stressful. Students were most influenced bytheir family (61.4%). Four hundred eight (87.2%) students were determined to choosedentistry because of its high income. 399 (85.2%) students stated that dentistry is aprestigious profession and this criterion was significant in their career choices.Conclusion: The majority of students who preferred Marmara University, Faculty ofDentistry were girls, and there were many factors influence the career choices andfuture plans of the students, with the most important beings were the families, the highincome level and the prestige of the profession.