Dental House Surgeons: Why They Apply, What They Do and Where to Next?

ABSTRACT Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the career plan, work experience and career aspirations of dental house surgeons in New Zealand: why they apply, what they do and where to next? Methods An online survey was sent to all current (2020) full‐time employed dental house surgeons via email to their work email address in November 2020. The questionnaire comprised 28 questions and was grouped into 3 main areas, including (1) factors that influenced those who are currently dental house surgeons to apply; (2) work experiences of current first‐ and second‐year dental house surgeons; and (3) the career aspirations of current first‐ and second‐year dental house surgeons. Results There was a 97% response rate. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1:2, with an average age of 25.7 years. Working with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) motivated 94% of participants. All participants provided services for ‘dental clearance’ referrals, dental extractions and consultations with OMS. More than half (62%) of the participants believed the salary was adequate. On‐call rosters varied between District Health Boards. Females found it more stressful than males when they answered the on‐call phone ( p < 0.05; 95% CI −2.83, −0.02) and provided acute treatment while on‐call ( p < 0.05; 95% CI −3.02, −0.17). All participants reported enjoying the experience of being a dental house surgeon, and most of them would recommend it to future dentistry graduates. Almost half said they would like to pursue a dental specialty in the future. Conclusions The main motivation for working as dental house surgeons in a hospital environment was to gain valuable clinical and educational experience. Each participant reports enjoying their experience as a dental house surgeon, and most of them would apply to stay another year.