Employability of Dentistry Graduates

Determining the status of employment of dentistry graduates is needed, to assess dental schools produce competent and job-ready dental practitioners. This study aimed to determine employability of dentistry graduates of 2013-2018. Specifically, to determine the respondents’ job placement profile in terms of employment status, nature of employment, present occupation, location of occupation; competencies, work- related values, and school-related factors such as curriculum and instruction, faculty and instruction, student services, organization and administration, community extension, linkages and research influencing their employability. Descriptive method was used to evaluate employment status of the dentistry graduates using a survey instrument. Results revealed that majority of graduates are working as self-employed professionals locally. The most useful competencies learned in college are communication, critical thinking and human relation skills, while honesty and love for truth, perseverance and hard work, and professional integrity are the work-related values much applied. The most relevant school-related factors to job placement in terms of curriculum and instruction in GE subject is Natural Science, while Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics in professional subjects. Faculty conducting themselves in a dignified and professional manner is most relevant in terms of faculty and instruction. Library services, college dean’s office services and laboratories are the most relevant student services. Department heads effective in guiding training and development of students to improve their performance and administration ensuring that training programs for students are adequate and well-organized, are noted as very relevant, along with Community Extension services. Action plan was proposed based on these results.

Keywords – competencies, dentistry, employability, graduates