Passing The Scalpel: A Student Initiative in Identifying and Addressing Unmet Needs in Dental Education

Abstract

Becoming an oral-maxillofacial surgeon is often challenging for young trainees. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore how a student-led group, which emphasizes networking, mentorship, and academic opportunities, may impact one's journey to becoming an oral-maxillofacial surgeon. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study where a 5-question Likert-type survey was administered to students who matriculated into residency and participated in a student-led group called Passing The Scalpel (PTS). This survey evaluated the value of PTS in providing exposure, career decision-making, networking/mentorship, and camaraderie. The results were analyzed, and statistical outcomes were evaluated. There was an 80.5% response rate (n=29). Question 1 regarding first exposure to oral-maxillofacial surgery had a mean score of 2.55 (standard deviation [SD]= 1.35; χ2=15.39; P<.05). Question 2 regarding choosing oral-maxillofacial surgery as a career had a mean score of 3.66 (SD= 1.11; χ2=10.84; P<.05). Question 3 regarding offering mentorship and networking had a mean score of 4.14 (SD= 0.92; χ2=27.81; P<.05). Question 4 regarding increasing applicant camaraderie had a mean score of 4.21 (SD= 0.77; χ2=36.71; P<.05). Question 5 regarding the importance of PTS within a dental curriculum had a score of 4.48 (SD= 0.68; χ2=41.89; P<.05). PTS is an effective student-led initiative that emphasizes early exposure, networking, and mentorship opportunities and encourages students in choosing oral-maxillofacial surgery as a specialty. PTS demonstrates that student-led initiatives can fulfill unmet needs in the dental curriculum.