Evaluation of Dentistry Students’ Perspectives of Specialization in Restorative Dentistry

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of the students studying at the faculty of dentistry on the specialization in the field of restorative treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 139 students, comprising 4th and 5th graders enrolled at the XXX University Faculty of Dentistry, participated in the study. Of these, 71 students were in the 4th grade, while 68 were in the 5th grade. Students were administered a 10-question questionnaire about their evaluation of specialization in dentistry. The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test. The statistical significance of the findings is at a level of p<0.05. Results: The most popular specialty in dentistry is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, with 45.3% of respondents selecting it as their first choice. The majority of respondents, at 66.9%, reported that they first became aware of the Restorative Dentistry department within the preclinical department. According to the survey, 47.5% of the students stated that the Restorative Dentistry department was primarily influenced by their clinical experience. Conclusion: It is widely acknowledged that the preclinical period is a critical juncture in shaping dental students' initial impressions of various specialties. Furthermore, a range of factors, including clinical exposure, income expectations, and personal interests, play a significant role in determining the specialty that a student may choose to pursue.