Career prospects among dental and medical residents: A cross-sectional study

Career is the progress and actions taken by a person throughout lifetime, especially those related to that person’s occupation, and is often composed of the jobs held, titles earned, and work accomplished over a long period of time. It plays a very important role in the success of one’s life. The aim was to compare the career prospects among medical and dental residents in a private institution in Thodupuzha, Kerala. The study included a total of 60 medical residents and 52 dental residents and was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were performed for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant. In medical profession, it was found that majority (71%) of the residents were satisfied with their career. In dental category, 88% wished for medical sector, whereas in medical category, 60% would opt for engineering. It was reported that poor pay scale among 54% of the medical category and 59% of dental residents suggested less job in the market was the reason for dissatisfaction. Majority (73%) in medical residents and a very minimal (23%) of the dental residents would recommend the own profession to the fellow colleagues (P < 0.05). The dental residents were found to be dissatisfied with their career compared with medical graduates. Better job perspectives and better placements need to be created. Endorsement of effective policies is required.