Registered dental hygienists as dental students.
Surveys were conducted to (1) investigate how and why dental hygienists choose to become dentists, (2) evaluate their success in dental school, (3) assess the experience of those who had entered dental school, and (4) gauge the level of interest among dental hygienists and currently enrolled dental hygiene students in applying to dental school. Records of former dental hygienists who had earned a dental degree indicated that the majority performed above class averages and that none withdrew or were dismissed from school. Those enrolled in dental school agreed that prior dental hygiene experience was an asset in laboratory and clinical work; they were less certain about any academic advantage. Registered and student dental hygienists generally agreed on the attractive and unattractive aspects of becoming a dentist. Major attractions cited were increased earnings and independence; major drawbacks were the costs of dental education and stress associated with being a dentist. Those with baccalaureate degrees showed more interest in becoming dentists than did those with associate degrees. Dental schools should give dental hygienists positive consideration as applicants and advanced placement as students. In view of the observed interest in career change, dental hygiene and dental programs are encouraged to develop more sensitive career counseling.
D002321:Career Choice; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013335:Students, Dental