Evaluation of entrepreneurship tendencies and career planning of faculty of dentistry students

Abstract

This study aims to determine the entrepreneurial tendencies and career planning levels of dentistry faculty students in Türkiye, examine the effects of certain demographic and personal factors on these tendencies, and analyze the relationship between entrepreneurship tendency and career planning. The study population consists of first- and fifth-year students enrolled in dentistry faculties of universities in Türkiye during the 2023-2024 academic year. The sample comprises 584 students from six universities selected from this population. Data was collected using the Personal Information Form, the University Students’ Entrepreneurship Scale (ÜÖGÖ), and the Career Planning Scale (KPÖ). Quantitative data analyses were performed using SPSS 27 statistical software. Among the participants, 39.4% had a very high level of entrepreneurship tendency, while 33.6% exhibited a high level. Regarding career planning, 35.1% of students had a very high level, whereas 29.3% demonstrated a high level of career planning. While gender did not have a significant effect on entrepreneurial tendencies or career planning levels, age, family income, the presence of a dentist or entrepreneur in the family, and class level were influential factors. The reason for choosing dentistry did not affect entrepreneurial tendencies but had an impact on career planning. Additionally, a strong positive and significant relationship was found between students’ entrepreneurial tendencies and career planning levels (r=0.832, p<0.001). The findings indicate that dentistry faculty students in Türkiye exhibit high levels of entrepreneurial tendencies and career planning. These tendencies are largely influenced by demographic and personal factors. Furthermore, students with high entrepreneurial tendencies engage in career goal setting and planning processes more consciously. In line with the results, it is recommended to increase entrepreneurship and career planning training, to take dental entrepreneurship dynamics into account in health policies and to develop sustainable strategies.