Dentists of tomorrow 2023: An analysis of the results of the ADEA 2023 survey of U.S. Dental School Seniors.

Abstract

This study examines the journey of U.S. dental schools' predoctoral senior class of 2023, from the influences on and their motivations to pursue careers in dentistry, the aspects of their dental school experiences, plans upon graduation, and the investment in their careers. This study is an analysis of the results of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) survey of Dental School Seniors, 2023 Graduating Class. Forty-eight percent of senior students from 65 accredited U.S. dental schools in the 2022-2023 academic year responded to the ADEA survey. Whenever feasible, the class of 2023 survey respondents' answers were compared with those of their 2018 counterparts and with the responses of 2023 predoctoral senior students of historically underrepresented race and ethnicity (HURE) groups. The analysis revealed that 47% of the 2023 respondents decided to become a dentist before going to undergraduate college, more than the proportion of their 2018 colleagues (44%). When it comes to preparedness to practice dentistry, the responses indicated a high level of readiness to go into the profession. Ninety percent of respondents agreed and strongly agreed with the preparedness to practice statements indicated in the 2023 ADEA survey. Between 2018 and 2023, the share of survey respondents who planned to join a private practice immediately after graduation increased from 48% to 53%. More than one-third (34%) of the 2023 respondents and 40% of HURE participants who planned to go into private practice immediately upon graduation intended to join a dental service organization (DSO). When accounting for inflation, the average education debt for students graduating with debt who responded to ADEA 2023 survey was 12% lower than what the 2018 respondents reported. This study finds that some preferences changed between the 2018 and 2023 cohorts, the latter being more likely to decide to go to dental school before college and join a DSO private practice upon graduation. Senior students responding to the ADEA 2023 survey stated a high level of preparedness to practice dentistry.