Transition to dental practice: Newly graduated dentists' views of being successful in dental practice

Abstract

The desires and challenges facing new graduate dentists in their transition into the workforce have been the subject of several research studies. 1-3 A common goal is to be successful, such as to achieve favourable outcomes and have a sense of accomplishment. This research study aims to explore what being successful as a new dentist means. Three bodies of literature can be drawn upon when thinking about what it means to be a successful dentist-literature about financial and business success, job satisfaction and professional identity formation. Levin implores dentists, particularly new graduates to have a greater knowledge of the business of dentistry and implies that ignoring this aspect will lead to failure. 4 Others suggest that success stems from patient experience, equating a more positive experience with more referrals and more patients. 5 Neither of these examples explores the concept of success beyond business goals. Another body of work to consider explores dentists' job satisfaction. These studies predominately use surveys and satisfaction

Preparedness of recent dental graduates and final‐year undergraduate dental students for practice amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Preparedness of a dental graduate reflects the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice dentistry safely, effectively and professionally in a practice environment independently 15,16 17–19 .…”

Job satisfaction in graduates of the career of dental surgeon: a cross sectional study

“…It is evident that the relationship between the factors that contribute to job satisfaction are more complex than just saying that job satisfaction exists, or does not exist. Therefore, the way in which job satisfaction helps shape happiness and a sense of success must be elucidated in qualitative studies [17].…”

The impact of wrong‐site surgery on dental undergraduate teaching: a survey of UK dental schools

“…It is important to acknowledge that dental education is a continuum from the limited clinical experience of newly qualified graduates and continues with mentorship during foundation training with a focus to become proficient in procedural skills. 28,29 However, it must be remembered that a dental graduate lacking confidence and experience is more likely to refer patients to secondary care drawing further on precious NHS resources. 30 The outcomes of the undergraduate oral surgery curriculum are to deliver new graduates with the ability to work independently in primary care.…”