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Dental student’s perception of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program
Albazi, Rusul
Albazi, Rusul
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2025-07
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Public Health
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Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs offer essential postdoctoral training that enhances clinical proficiency and prepares dental graduates for complex, real-world practice. Despite their potential benefits, interest and enrollment in AEGD programs remain limited, and the factors influencing students' decisions are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate dental students’ awareness, perceptions, and willingness to pursue AEGD training, while identifying the key barriers and motivators that shape these decisions.
A cross-sectional survey was administered to third- and fourth-year students at Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry from August to October 2023. The survey, distributed via SurveyMonkey, assessed demographic characteristics, awareness levels, career intentions, perceived barriers, and preferences regarding AEGD training. Statistical analyses were performed using MATLAB, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression modeling to explore associations and predictors of awareness and application likelihood.
Among the 156 respondents, only 26.5% reported being very aware of AEGD programs, while 46.2% indicated they were very unlikely to apply. Financial concerns emerged as the most frequently cited barrier (63.9%), followed by eagerness to begin working and a lack of career incentives. Conversely, advanced training opportunities—especially in implantology (81.9%) and digital dentistry (60.6%)—and financial incentives (83.1%) significantly increased students’ interest in AEGD enrollment. Logistic regression identified year of study as a significant predictor of AEGD awareness, with D4 students being more aware but less likely to apply than D3 students.
These findings underscore the need for earlier outreach, clearer communication of AEGD program benefits, and programmatic adaptations that align with student priorities. Modernizing AEGD curricula to include emerging technologies and offering financial support may help increase participation and sustain the future of postgraduate dental training.
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