The Psychological and Professional Impact of Reducing the Dental Specialty Examination from Twice to Once Annually on Dentists and Dental Students A Pilot Study

Abstract This pilot survey evaluated dentists' and dental students' perceptions of reducing the Dental Specialty Examination (DUS) in Turkey from twice to once annually. A total of 428 participants completed demographic items and multiple-choice/Likert-type questions addressing DUS experience, examination frequency, psychological burden, academic motivation, economic concerns and alternative career planning. Associations between categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test, and power analysis confirmed that the sample was sufficient for detecting moderate associations. Most participants perceived a once-annual examination schedule as a potential source of increased anxiety, stress, fear of failure, perceived competition and financial uncertainty. Previous DUS participation was associated with educational status, indicating that the examination becomes especially prominent after graduation. Low confidence in alternative career plans suggested that specialty training is regarded by many participants as a pathway to professional and economic security. These findings indicate that changes in examination frequency may have academic, psychological and socioeconomic consequences, and highlight the need for stronger career guidance, examination preparation support and psychological counseling services in dental education.