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.