Abstract
The observational cross-sectional study was aimed to obtain information on the promotion and development of young professionals in Switzerland. An online survey with 20 questions was sent out. Data was collected on participants’ demographic data, including age, gender, level of qualification, place of work, information on employment, future perspectives, and career prospects. The survey was sent out to 1920 practitioners, of which 440 (22.9%) responded (37.1% males and 62.9% females). Of them, 76.6% were members of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO) 15.9% students, and 7.5% non-SSO members. Most participants had parents with a dental education (80.9%), and 19.8% did not. Young dentists in Switzerland most often saw their career prospects as neutral (39.8%) or rather positive (39.3%). Whereas significantly fewer dentists had a negative view of their professional future (16.8%), including more women than men, the fewest dentists of both sexes (4.1%) saw their career prospects as positive by far. The majority of young dentists were satisfied with their career prospects. Within the limitations of the current study, the reasons for this need further investigation. Despite good career prospects, there is a desire among young colleagues for cantonal practice assistance and mentoring programs, as well as support in finding a job and in taking the plunge into self-employment.
Highlights
Numerous forms of dental practice in Europe are possible
In a 2015 survey of dentists conducted by the Swiss Dental Association (SSO), the most common form of professional practice was single practice, with the majority stating that they worked in small villages with 2000 to 10,000 inhabitants [2]
More than 90% of the subjects studied in Switzerland (92.50%)
Summary
Numerous forms of dental practice in Europe are possible. In many European countries, a trend toward group practices among dentists can be observed [1]. The ongoing changes of the profession often raise issues on the political agenda to develop solution strategies to support decisionmakers. The careers of young professionals in Western countries could usually be discerned by reports of establishment of sale of practices and registers of employed professionals. A change in choosing the form of dental practice can be seen in Switzerland. In a 2015 survey of dentists conducted by the Swiss Dental Association (SSO), the most common form of professional practice was single practice, with the majority stating that they worked in small villages with 2000 to 10,000 inhabitants [2]
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