Aim

The aim of this research was to identify short-term career aspirations and goals of final-year dental students at a London dental school and the perceived factors that influenced these aspirations.

Methods

Two methods were used to collect data on final-year students’ short-term career plans and influences. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and analysed using ‘framework methodology’. These findings informed a questionnaire survey of all students at the end of their final undergraduate year. Data were entered into and analysed using a statistical software package.

Results

Thirty-five students participated in focus groups, with recruitment continuing until data were saturated. Ninety per cent (n=126) of the total population (140) responded to the questionnaire survey; the majority were Asian (70%), female (58%), and aged 23 years (59%). Short-term professional expectations focused around ‘achieving professional status within a social context’, ‘gaining professional experience’, ‘developing independence’ and ‘achieving financial stability’. ‘Achieving financial stability’ was ranked as the most important influence in decision-making about their career in the short term (77%), followed by ‘balance of work and other aspects of life’ (75%) and ‘good lifestyle’ (75%). Four out of ten intended to work towards membership of a Royal College and/or becoming a specialist. Proximity to family (81%) and friends (79%) was an important or very important influence on location in the short term. Asian students were significantly more likely to rate ‘proximity to family’ (p=0.042), working in an ‘urban area’ (p=0.001) and ‘opportunities for private care’ (p=0.043) of greater importance than their White counterparts.

Conclusions

Short-term aspirations involve ‘achieving professional status within a social context’, and personal, social, professional and financial goals. Location of future practice was significantly associated with ethnicity.