Why Dentistry? A Qualitative Enquiry into Dental Students’ Perceptions in the State of Qatar.

Background: Career choice is a complex, multifaceted process affecting all aspects of life. Motivational factors of aspiring dentists are crucial to inform institutions and aid with the admission process. The aim of this study was to investigate undergraduate dental students’ perceived motivation for their career choice in the first dental institution in the State of Qatar. Methods: : Qualitative methods using face-to-face focus group sessions were utilized. All focus groups were conducted in English and contained a moderator and observer. Purposive sampling technique was employed to collect data from five focus groups of undergraduate dental students to gain a deeper insight into their motivation of career choice. A topic guide was used to ensure data collection standardization. Participants’ views were recorded and filed notes obtained. Data was transcribed and analysis performed utilizing an inductive thematic approach. Results: : A total of 34 students (89.5%) from year 2 and 3 participated in the focus groups. Data analysis revealed six main themes emerging from this study namely; altruism and patient care, family influence, childhood aspirations, practical skills, professional and social status, and reconsideration and transfer opportunity. Altruism, opportunities to learn practical skills and professional status appeared to be the main drivers influencing their career choice. Conclusion: This qualitative study provided insightful information regarding current undergraduate dental students’ decision process involved in their profession selection. Students perceived their motivation to be patient care-centered, there was also a strong inclination towards performing practical hands-on tasks as a dentist, and developing a professional status. Interestingly, financial reward did not feature as a motivational factor in this study. This data could help the dental institutions better understand future applicant’s motivations to join dentistry and assist with the academic recruitment process and targeting students with a potential to excel in the profession.