PERIODONTICS AS A CAREER OPTION? PERCEPTION AND INCLINATION AMONGST DENTAL INTERNS – A PILOT STUDY

Dr. Gosalia Aneri A.*, Dr. Shah Mona U., Dr. Doshi Yogesh S., Dr. Kevadia Vidhi N., Dr. Cauvery N. K., Dr. Talat Mohammadi

ABSTRACT

Background: Need to be constantly updated for professional and economic stability in today’s competitive world has rendered specialization in dentistry very essential. The intentions or reasons for choosing a particular speciality for post-graduation contribute a lot towards the future of that particular stream. The purpose of this study was to assess the approach of interns towards pursuing Periodontics as a career option. Material and Method: A questionnaire based cross- sectional survey was conducted amongst 60 interns of the college. A 16-item close-ended questionnaire extracted information on the awareness and opinion regarding Periodontology as a subject at undergraduate level and their opinion regarding Periodontics as a career from clinical stand point was noted. Results: It was observed that most of them had an average attitude towards the field and the participants agreed that they did not have much knowledge regarding the scope and opportunity in that stream. Conclusion: Present study concluded that lack of awareness could be a reason behind the dilemma for choosing Periodontics as a career option. Also, inculcating interest regarding the field at under graduation level itself is the need for the hour.

Keywords: Periodontics, career option, interns, survey.