Perspectives of dental undergraduates at a public university in Bahia on entering the job market

Abstract

Objective: to identify the perspectives of Dentistry students at a public university in Bahia regarding their insertion in the labor market. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with students from the seventh to the tenth period of graduation, who answered in person a questionnaire prepared by the researchers during March 2023. Subsequently, the data were analyzed descriptively. Results: seventy-five (75) (95.0%) undergraduates participated in the study, with an average age of 25.1 years, most of whom were women (68.0%). It was observed that 46.7% of them considered the job market good, but that it depends on the qualification of the professional. As for knowledge about entrepreneurship, undergraduates reported not having (52.0%) or having insufficient knowledge (45.3%). Most do not consider themselves prepared to manage their practice (92.0%). Conclusion: Dentistry undergraduates in this study revealed a positive perspective related to the job market. However, they demonstrated insecurity and unpreparedness regarding the administration and management of the dental office.