Careers beyond clinical dentistry : Exploring reasons for career shifts among dental graduates in Paksitan

Date of Award

10-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Professions Education

First Advisor

Dr Syeda Kausar Ali

Second Advisor

Dr Rabia AFTAB

Third Advisor

Dr Rahila Ali

Department

Educational Development

Abstract

Introduction: Career transition among dental graduates has become a concerning trend, with many learning clinical practice to pursue non-clinical careers
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore in-depth the reasons behind dental graduates ‘decision to switch their career after graduation.
Methodolog: A qualitative exploratory design was used. In-depth intervievs were concducted with eight dental graduates from multiples cities of Pakistan. Thematic analysis was done to generate key findings.
Results: Three themes were identified. The first them was initial motivations to enroll in BDS program which included personal interest, family/societal influence and circumstantial reasons. The second theme was barriers to clinical practice which included negative workplace culture, work-life imbalance, low salaries, limited job and postgraduate opportunities, insufficient hands-on traning and lack of mentorship during under-graduate education and personal interest in nonclinical pathways. The third theme was road to retention which included participants' suggestions for retaining graduates such as assessing number of dental graduates with workforce demand, increasing job and postgraduate opportunities, improving financial incentives, building positive work environment, integrating mentorship and practice management education into curricula and strengthening skill training.
Conclusion: The finding of this study revealed multilayered challenges that drove dental graduates to abandon clinical practice for alternate careers. Addressing these challenges through policy reforms, curriculum improverments, and enhanced institutional support is essential to improve workfbrce retention in the dental profession.

First Page

1

Last Page

70

This document is available in the relevant AKU library.

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