From Class Room to Career: Perception & Satisfaction towards Undergraduate Dental Education among Dental Alumni and its Impact on Specialties Preference - Faculty Based Cross sectionalstudy 2022–2023

Abstract

Title: From Classroom to Career: Perception and Satisfaction Towards Under graduate Dental Education Among Dental Alumni and its impact on career preference.
Background: Dental education plays a critical role in shaping the skills and competencies of future dentists. However, the effectiveness of this education in preparing students for real-world challenges varies, particularly in regions where resources and opportunities are limited. In Sudan, dental professionals face considerable challenges, including economic instability, insufficient training resources, and governance issues, which impact career satisfaction. This study aims to assess the perceptions and satisfaction of Karary University dental alumni regarding their undergraduate education, focusing on the curriculum, clinical training, and professional readiness.
Methods: A cross-sectional institutional-based study was conducted with dental alumni from Karary University’s College of Oral and Dental Medicine. The study involved 162 alumni from seven graduating batches, using a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographic information, perceptions of dental education, professional satisfaction, and challenges faced in the workforce. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine significant relationships between variables.

Results: The majority of participants (51.9%) reported considering a career shift, with financial stress and loss of interest as the primary reasons. Despite this, 74.7% of respondents felt they had better competence compared to graduates from other universities, with a strong emphasis on clinical competence. However, only 29% were satisfied with the research-based education they received, highlighting an area for improvement. The study also found a significant correlation between satisfaction with research education and graduating batch (p = 0.05), suggesting improvements in the curriculum over time. Additionally, 69.8% of participants believed their education prepared them well for professional practice, though dissatisfaction with lecture rooms and clinical facilities was noted by 24.7% of respondents.
Conclusion: While Karary University’s dental alumni generally feel confident in their clinical training and professional competence, key areas for improvement remain, particularly in research education and infrastructure. Addressing these gaps, alongside providing financial and career development support, can enhance the satisfaction and career trajectories of future graduates. By investing in these areas, Karary University can better prepare its dental students for the professional challenges ahead, ultimately contributing to the broader advancement of oral health care in Sudan.