241 - Predoctoral Dental Students Intentions to Treat Children Post-Graduation

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the intentions of predoctoral dental students in Portland, ME, to treat pediatric patients post-graduation and identify influencing factors.

Methods: Students completed a self-administered online survey via REDCap that included 18 questions on demographics, educational experiences, and factors influencing their intentions to treat children. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and ANOVA to explore relationships.

Results: A total of 128 students completed the survey (67% female; 77% aged 30 or younger; 35% from rural hometowns; 24% had children). Approximately 17% did not intend to treat children after graduation. Positive predictors of intention included personal interest in pediatric dentistry (P < .001), comfort with behavior management techniques (P < .001), and favorable child cooperation (P=.001). Negative predictors included inadequate training (P=.005), discomfort with behavior management (P < .001), challenging child cooperation (P=.032), parental involvement (P=.01), and complexity of pediatric procedures (P=.025). Only 35% of fourth-year students felt adequately prepared to treat children, while 27% felt somewhat unprepared.

Conclusions: Most dental students intend to treat pediatric patients, but addressing challenges in training and behavior management techniques is critical to improving preparedness and willingness to care for children.

 

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