Objective: To investigate the survival rate over a 3-year period of posterior resin composite restorations placed by dental students of Kuwait University. Materials andMethods: Posterior resin composite restorations placed by 5th-, 6th- and 7th-year dental students between 2004 and 2005 were evaluated. All patients with posterior composite restorations placed during this period of time were recalled. Of the 204 eligible patients, 139 attended the recall. 432 posterior resin composite restorations were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to the United States Public Health Service criteria. For each restoration, the survival time and/or reasons for failure were recorded. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data at a statistically significant level of p < 0.05. Results: At 3 years, the survival rate of the restorations was 95.1%, resulting in an annual failure rate of 1.7%. Recurrent caries was the most common cause of failure (71.4%). Oral hygiene and gender and age of the patient were the factors that affected the failure rate of the restoration (p < 0.05). Other factors such as tooth type and location, type of cavity, type of liner used and level of the student who performed the procedure did not affect the failure rate (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Dental students of Kuwait University were able to place resin composite restorations in posterior teeth with a low annual failure rate. Recurrent caries was the most common cause of failure of posterior resin composite restorations. Oral hygiene was the most important factor in determining the survival of resin composite restorations.

Objectives An insight into students’ motivation and confidence in the choice of entering and remaining in dental education is essential. The understanding of how choices are made can help universities in the planning of admission policies. This study aimed to evaluate the career choice influences, motivation and confidence in the choices made into dental education. Methods A mixed‐method design was employed, using both quantitative and qualitative data. One hundred seventy‐three questionnaires were distributed to all registered dental students, with a response rate of 85%. The questionnaire explored students’ demographics and factors that influenced their career choice. Seven focus groups were facilitated with related data recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results The quantitative data revealed the desire to help others, and socioeconomic factors were influential, whilst for parents’ influence, the mother's influence was statistically significant. Qualitatively, results converged and complemented quantitative data; there was a balance between helping others and socioeconomic and familial influences. There was an increase in confidence in the choice made as students advanced in their dental education. The results indicate that informed awareness of the dental programme structure is essential before embarking on a dental career. Conclusions The factors that impacted on choice were helping others, socioeconomic factors and the influence on choice from family. They were generally satisfied with their choice and were confident in the choice they made. This confidence, however, was not reflected until the more advanced clinical stages of their dental education.

Background An insight into students’ motivation and choice into entering and remaining in dental education is essential. The understanding of how choices are made will help universities in the planning of admission policies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the career choice and motivation into dental education by undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University. Methods A mixed-method design was employed, evaluating both quantitative and qualitative data. One hundred seventy-three questionnaires were distributed to all registered dental students, with a response rate of 85%. Seven focus groups were facilitated, and related data recorded and transcribed. Results The mother’s influence was statistically significant in decision making. There was a statistically significant relationship between motivation to choose dentistry and personal decision. Qualitatively, major influencers were family and culture.Conclusions While students were confident in their choice of career; this confidence was not reflected until the more advanced clinical stages of their dental education.

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