A nationwide survey assessing the satisfaction of dental colleges graduates with their undergraduate experience in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo date, there are no publications on the Saudi graduates’ perceived value of their dental curriculum. The aim of this nation-wide survey was to investigate graduates’ satisfaction with specific disciplines of their dental education and training. The first part of this study addressed findings according to the respondents’ gender and the number of years of postgraduate experience (Graduate-related factors). MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was emailed to registrants of the Saudi Dental Society, specifically dental interns, general dentists, and specialized dentists who graduated from private and governmental dental colleges in Saudi Arabia (n = 2185). ResultsThe response rate was 36.4 %. The number of male respondents was (n = 352, 44.2 %), the remainder being female (n = 444, 55.8 %). The number of recent dentists (≤ 5 years since graduation) was (n = 428, 53.8 %) and experienced dentists (n = 368, 46.2 %). There were statistically significant gender variations in satisfaction levels, and among dentists with different post-graduation experiences. Although male and female dental students are taught similar curriculums and have similar graduation requirements, there were statistically significant differences in various subjects covered. Similarly, recent and experienced dentists reported statistically significant differences in satisfaction in various subjects. ConclusionThis study provides graduates’ perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of their dental education in Saudi Arabia. The findings help in curriculum reform and collaborations between the dental colleges nationally. Ultimately this can lead to formulating a national dental accreditation and assessment body. Clinical significanceThe findings of this study provide graduates’ perspective on the dental education received in Saudi Arabia. This will help stimulate discussion and collaboration within and amongst the colleges on improving their curriculum in this fast-paced, evolving field of dentistry.