A comparative investigation of dental and medical student's motivation towards career choice

Abstract

Objective A number of recent studies have investigated the motivations underlying the career choice of dental and medical students, suggesting that they may be very different. However, as yet, no studies have been conducted which provide a direct comparison of dental and medical students studying in the same place. Accordingly, the aim of this investigation was to conduct a survey which directly compared the motivation of a selection of dental and medical students at Manchester University. Study design A questionnaire was developed for this study on the basis of previous surveys investigating the motivations of dental and medical students towards career choice. Six dimensions were covered in the questionnaire including: status and security; the nature of the occupation; career opportunities; patient care and working with people; use of personal skills; and interest in science. In addition, students were asked about the role of work experience in either dentistry or medicine. The questionnaire was distributed to 80 medical students and 80 dental students chosen from a random selection of lecture slots. Results The results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistically significant differences were revealed in all six areas of career choice motivation. For instance, dental students were significantly more likely to be motivated by factors relating to status and security and the nature of their occupation (eg regular working hours, self employment and independence). By contrast, medical students were significantly more likely to be motivated by factors relating to career opportunities, patient care and working with people, use of personal skills, and interest in science. Work experience was a strong motivating factor in the case of both dental and medical students (though especially for dental students). Conclusions In comparison with dental students, medical students manifested a more professional attitude in which altruism and intellectual challenge constituted central motivating factors. By contrast, dental students demonstrated more of a commitment to personal and financial gain. The paper queries how useful such attitudes are to a re-oriented dental profession whose aspiration is to provide more accountable and community oriented services.

The future of the profession — a survey of dental school applicants

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] This study found similar motivational factors amongst the cohort, although financial reasons were cited as less important than in some previously published papers. Females tended to favour the statements relating to helping people and working in healthcare, as shown in studies in the USA.…”

The medical career choice motivations — Results from a Hungarian study

“…Similarly to results obtained abroad, the main motivating factors regarding medical profession choice in Hungary remain the personal interest, a sense of profession and an altruistic attitude [8,9]. Among firstyear students however some other factors also became significant.…”

“…They compared dental students and general medical students. They found that the latter group showed more pronounced interest in working with people and in scientific achievements [8].…”

Becoming the 'good doctor': medical students’ views on altruism and professional identity

“…Previous studies have generally tried to quantify students' altruism levels (Coulter et al, 2007;Crossley et al, 2002), rather than exploring students' perceptions of altruism and its importance to their practice. As such, this study aimed to address this gap in the literature, by focusing on exploring Leeds' medical students' understandings of altruism and to what extent they felt altruism was part of a doctor's role and identity.…”