Effect of career counseling on postgraduate education preferences of dental students

To determine the factors responsible for and the effectiveness of career counselling on postgraduation preferences. Sequential mixed method study. Army Medical College and Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi Pakistan. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. In which questions were asked under different themes. All those participating in the survey were being delivered a series of 2 lectures on career counselling, with 1 week gap between the lectures. After that the same questionnaire, containing some additional questions, were filled up by the participants. A total of 100 students/ house officers participated in this study. Eighty eight percent had knowledge about post-graduation programs in dentistry. McNemar's test showed that difference in choice of postgraduation was not significant [p=0.458]. Marginal homogeneity test used for the 1st option of postgraduation before and after counselling session was statistically significant [p=0.046]. Factors affecting the choice of specialty were better chances of getting job 62% [n=62], better chances of earning 84% [n=84] and would be less hectic 71% [n=71] and 78% [n=78] were passionate regarding the choice of specialty. Marginal homogeneity test applied for 1st choice of institution for post-graduation was statistically significant. Fifty nine percent [n=59] participants described low income and no stipend as a major barrier for post-graduation. Ninety two percent [n=92] of participants described that the career counselling session has increased their knowledge and broadened their horizon. Career counselling made statistically significant difference in the choice of specialty before and after the session and it was very effective for participants in selecting their preferences