Non-clinical experiences influence dental students’ career plans to care for the underserved

Equitable dental care across U.S. populations remains a national concern. Previously reported predictors of dental student altruism include student and school characteristics. This study additionally considered the effect of educational experiences on dental students’ anticipation of providing care to medically underserved populations, areas, or facilities at some point during their careers. Data from 2014–2017 graduating student surveys (response rate 62%) assessed the relationship between students’ intention to provide care to the underserved and student sociodemographic, clinical, non-clinical, faculty-interaction, research, and organizational experience during dental education. Respondents were 52% female and 18% underrepresented minorities. Positive intention ranged from 51% for “working in a practice that accepts Medicaid” to 25% for “practicing in an underserved rural community” with 45% intending to “work in a community health clinic.” Higher levels of intention were significantly correlated with student diversity, maturity, and involvement with non-clinical faculty and activities.