RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The Relationship Between Gender and Postgraduate Aspirations Among First- and Fourth-Year Students at Public Dental Schools: A Longitudinal Analysis JF Journal of Dental Education JO J Dent Educ FD American Dental Education Association SP 797 OP 809 VO 71 IS 6 A1 Scarbecz, Mark A1 Ross, Judith A. YR 2007 UL http://www.jdentaled.org/content/71/6/797.abstract AB The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences and other predictors of postgraduate plans among U.S. dental students. A national sample of dental students was surveyed in their first and fourth years of dental school. Female first-year students were less likely than male students to express interest in specialization in endodontics and oral surgery. Fourth-year students who had a dental school mentor, a high GPA, and encouragement from significant others were more likely to apply for postgraduate training. Gender and first-year interest in dental specialization did not affect the likelihood of applying for postgraduate training in the fourth year. Female fourth-year students were more likely to predict that they would be an associate in a practice five years following graduation. The results suggest that mentoring and faculty encouragement are important influences on dental students’ plans for postgraduate education.