IADR Abstract Archives
General Dental Practitioners’ Motivations for Undertaking a Postgraduate Degree
Objectives: The objectives of this study are to investigate: i) What are the key factors that motivate general dental practitioners (GDPs) to undertake a postgraduate degree ii) Is intellectual stimulation a key motivating factor iii) Is there an association between gender/age and motivation of GDPs to undertake a postgraduate degree iv) Are GDPs intrinsically or extrinsically motivated to study and v) What are the benefits of a postgraduate degree and how does this impact clinical practice.
Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires. The target population was dentists currently undertaking a postgraduate degree in the UK. Recruitment of participants was through posting a questionnaire on a private Facebook group for dentists and distribution of an email circular containing the questionnaire across 18 UK universities. Qualitative data was organised thematically and analysed. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software.
Results: 121 (99%) participants selected “I wished to study subject in a more in-depth way’’ as a key motivating factor, 117 (96%) participants selected “developing intellectual abilities” and “to prepare me well for the future’’ as key motivating factors. Dentists were found to be more intrinsically motivated than extrinsically motivated. There were no significant associations found between gender/age and motivation to study a postgraduate dental degree. Benefits of undertaking a postgraduate degree included improved knowledge and skills, improved confidence and career progression.
Conclusions: Dentists are internally motivated when undertaking a postgraduate degree, with intellectual stimulation being a key motive. There is a clear desire to improve competence and confidence which has a positive impact on clinical practice.
Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires. The target population was dentists currently undertaking a postgraduate degree in the UK. Recruitment of participants was through posting a questionnaire on a private Facebook group for dentists and distribution of an email circular containing the questionnaire across 18 UK universities. Qualitative data was organised thematically and analysed. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software.
Results: 121 (99%) participants selected “I wished to study subject in a more in-depth way’’ as a key motivating factor, 117 (96%) participants selected “developing intellectual abilities” and “to prepare me well for the future’’ as key motivating factors. Dentists were found to be more intrinsically motivated than extrinsically motivated. There were no significant associations found between gender/age and motivation to study a postgraduate dental degree. Benefits of undertaking a postgraduate degree included improved knowledge and skills, improved confidence and career progression.
Conclusions: Dentists are internally motivated when undertaking a postgraduate degree, with intellectual stimulation being a key motive. There is a clear desire to improve competence and confidence which has a positive impact on clinical practice.