A Survey of Dentists' Educational Needs for Further Education in Dental Public Health

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to investigate the needs of dentists for further education in dental public health and to analyze factors associated with their interest in pursuing such education. Data were collected from August 2023 to August 2024. A total of 361 dentists under the Ministry of Public Health were recruited using non-probability snowball sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire comprising three sections: general information, dental public health workload, and further education needs in dental public health. Both descriptive statistics and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. The results showed that 130 dentists (36.0%) expressed interest in pursuing further education in dental public health. This interest was significantly associated with the main workplace, public health-related responsibilities, and the need to conduct research, either for job requirements or career advancement. The primary motivations were enhancing knowledge (83.1%) and career advancement (63.1%). The most desired topic of study was public health and dental public health administration (69.2%). The preferred program structure was a 4-month short course incorporating both theoretical and practical components (42.3), delivered through blended learning (61.5%). The most influential factor for pursuing further education in dental public health was the appropriateness of study duration (77.7%), while the major barrier was the inability to take study leave (38.6%). In summary, approximately one-third of dentists were interested in further education in dental public health. Short-term blended learning program was the most preferred format. The findings provide valuable insights for developing continuing education programs in dental public health that align with dentists’ needs and constraints.