Future of dental education: digitalization, career outlook, and perspectives of dental students and early-career dentists

This study aims to assess the opinions of dental students and postgraduate dental practitioners in Turkey regarding the digitalisation of dentistry and the future career outlook of the profession. It focuses on understanding participants’ views on digital competence, the integration of digital technologies into dental education, and their intentions related to practising abroad. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among undergraduate students (4th- and 5th-year) and postgraduate trainees (PhD and specialty students). The survey explored perceptions of digitalisation in dentistry, professional expectations, and factors influencing career decisions. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarisation. Data were collected between September 2023 and June 2024. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The required sample size was calculated as 376, and data collection was completed with 378 participants after excluding incomplete or invalid submissions. Participants who were new to the profession or had recently begun postgraduate training reported predominantly theoretical knowledge and hands-on exposure with digital applications in dentistry. Additionally, a significant association was found between responses to two questions examining intentions to practise abroad with or without economic considerations (p = 0.001), suggesting that financial factors alone do not fully explain the desire to work internationally. Participants perceived a decline in the social prestige of dentistry in recent years, and many expressed hesitations about recommending the profession to close relatives. Although some showed interest in practising abroad, their motivations extended beyond financial concerns, indicating that professional satisfaction, educational conditions, and perceived occupational value also contribute to these intentions.