Awareness and Choice of Dentistry as a Career among Students in University Preparatory Classes

Abstract

Objective: To identify the level of awareness of Dentistry and the reasons for choosing the course for study among students attending examination preparatory classes into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 342 students attending examination preparatory classes in Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu, Nigeria. Data on sex, age, type of secondary school attended, past visits to dental clinic, being aware of dentistry as a course in the university and choice of dentistry as a career was obtained.  Bivariate analysis was conducted.

Results: Two hundred and forty one students (70.5%) were aware of dentistry while 44(12.9%) chose it as a career. Attending private secondary school was significantly associated with awareness of dentistry (p=0.02) as a course. Friends (30.0%) were the major source of information about dentistry while the desire to treat patients (52.3%) was the major reason that influenced choosing dentistry as a career.

Conclusion: Most students were aware of dentistry. The type of secondary school attended had an effect on awareness of dentistry while the desire to take care of patients was the main reason for choosing dentistry by students in the university preparatory classes.

Keywords: dentistry, awareness, career