Survey of dental graduates entering medical schools and a comparison with previous surveys

The 169 dental graduates known to have entered UK medical schools between 1986 and 1991 inclusive were sent a questionnaire requesting personal and professional information. A total of 154 graduates (91%) responded, 126 (82%) males and 28 (18%) females, all with a mean age of 27 years. Over the 6 years studied, both the average fees paid and the number of students paying fees increased. During the same period, the average grant received and number receiving grants both decreased. Of the 154 responding, 141 (92%) intended to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the time they entered medical school, and this had fallen to 120 (78%) by the time of the survey. An estimate of the number of those medical students who may return to the specialty was made based on previous surveys (range of 12–26 trainees/year).