Motivation for Choosing Medical and Dental Profession

Background: Motivation is the driving force for seeking knowledge. In learning of science motivation plays a vital role. Aim: To identify the motivational factors for choosing medical and dental profession by students in a private medical and dental college. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2019 in a private medical and dental college from among the medical students of 3rd year MBBS and BDS. A validated questionnaire was filled by 220 respondents. The questionnaire had 30 sections and a Likert scale was applied: Five - Very important to One - Not at all important. The instrument also surveyed participants' gender, age, and the education profile of parents. Results were analyzed by SPSS version 20 in form of frequencies and percentages, wherever appropriate. Results: Out of total of 700 medical and dental students of 3rd year, 220 participated with 127 MBBS and 93 BDS. Among 220 students 64 were male and 156 were female respondents. The major motivational factors were: Almost 183 (83.18%) responded that these were empathic professions with 166 (75%) of them being influenced by family/friend or relative to pursue a medical or dental career. Conclusion: In this study, the main motivational factor for choosing medical or dental profession was that these professions have an emphatic factor and family background, inspiration by parents/friends may also play a vital role.