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

Authors : Belen ŞİRİNOĞLU ÇAPAN, Serap AKYÜZ, Nefise BAHÇEÇİK, Ayşen YARAT, Fatih GİRGİN

Pages : 228-236

View : 19 | Download : 23

Publication Date : 2018-12-28

Article Type : Research Paper

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