DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2020.v07i07.001

Pages: 84-91

Objective: To assess the drivers behind choice of dental career, student expectations regarding dental career, estimate the prevalence of burnout during the early stages of career and studentship among currently studying and newly graduated general dental practitioners of Kerala using simple questionnaires. Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted with the study sample being derived from a group of students from the third year, final year, interns and a few clinicians who have completed their course no lesser than 2 years prior. This study exempts the first year and second year group of students. The data for this study was collected using questionnaire schedules using a descriptive survey design with 713 students, over the time period of 45 days at various colleges in and around Kothamangalam, Kerala. The questionnaire was designed such that it includes 18 questions regarding the influences for choice, attitude and expectations regarding one’s career. Results: Among the 713 students,, interns and practitioners surveyed 32% individuals opted for dentistry out of their own personal interests while 40%, chose dentistry due to inability to procure a medical seat. A majority of the participants (75%, n=534) have shown to have future plans regarding their careers of which 331 (62%) would like to pursue postgraduation or overseas education programs; pursuing endodontics 109 (33%), orthodontics 76 (23%), pedodontics 56 (17%) being the more popular choices. The remainder of those not intending to pursue a postgraduation (n=112, 21%) would opt for a general practice. Around 371 (52%) mention change in expectations over the years regarding their career choice and potential outcomes. Following completion of three years under the undergraduate programme a significant n=285 (40%) opted ‘yes’ for a career change at this point while the remainder (n=428, 60%) chose to stay on the same track. Their reasons for opting for a change include ‘interest in another subject’ ........