recent study out of the UK reveals what dentists expect from their profession. Researchers included Jennifer Gallagher, Wendy Clarke, Kenneth Eaton, and Nairn Wilson. A synopsis follows, but you can read the full study at BMC Oral Health.
Why People Choose Dentistry
First you need to know that UK dentists study for one year as Vocational Dental Practitioners, or VDPs. The study included 99 participants, all VDPs, in 10 focus groups. It explored why English and Whales dentists chose their profession. Many chose dentistry because of topics such as academia, healthcare, lifestyle, and influence by family and friends. The study found that issues such as student debt, cost of postgraduate training, and practice limitations changed their vision a bit once they were in the thick of things. In short, the study found that job security, status, money, and flexibility were primary reasons people choose dentistry as a profession.