Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION, cilt.26, sa.40, ss.1-11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Abstract
Background This study aims to assess the opinions of dental students and postgraduate dental practitioners
in Turkey regarding the digitalisation of dentistry and the future career outlook of the profession. It focuses on
understanding participants’ views on digital competence, the integration of digital technologies into dental
education, and their intentions related to practising abroad.
Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among undergraduate students (4th- and 5th-year)
and postgraduate trainees (PhD and specialty students). The survey explored perceptions of digitalisation in
dentistry, professional expectations, and factors influencing career decisions. Descriptive statistics were used for
data summarisation. Data were collected between September 2023 and June 2024. Statistical significance was set at
p < 0.05.
Results The required sample size was calculated as 376, and data collection was completed with 378 participants
after excluding incomplete or invalid submissions. Participants who were new to the profession or had recently
begun postgraduate training reported predominantly theoretical knowledge and hands-on exposure with digital
applications in dentistry. Additionally, a significant association was found between responses to two questions
examining intentions to practise abroad with or without economic considerations (p
=
0.001), suggesting that
financial factors alone do not fully explain the desire to work internationally.
Conclusions Participants perceived a decline in the social prestige of dentistry in recent years, and many expressed
hesitations about recommending the profession to close relatives. Although some showed interest in practising
abroad, their motivations extended beyond financial concerns, indicating that professional satisfaction, educational
conditions, and perceived occupational value also contribute to these intentions.
Keywords Digitalization, Professional career choice, Digital dentistry, Dental education, Dental students