Primary Influence on Choice of Dentistry as a Career, 2006 Source: American Dental Education Association: 2006 Senior Survey

Reasons Why Students Pursue Career in Dentistry, 2006 These percentages are quite similar to previous years. As in the past, reasons reported as least imporant inlcude "Opportunity to Serve Vulnerable and Low-income Populations (44.1%) and Service to Own Race or Ethnic Group (25.9%) However, when assessed by race/ethnicity, substantial differences become evident. Source: American Dental Education Association; 2006 Senior Survey

Timing of Decision to Pursue Career in Dentistry, 2006 Two-thirds of dental school seniors reported they made the decision to pursue dentistry sometime after entering college. One-third of students made the decision before college; almost one-fourth decided during high school; and about 12% decided before high school. Upon entry into college, two-thirds of seniors had not yet decided to pursue dentistry One-third made the decision prior to college Twenty-two percent decided during high school Almost twelve percent decided prior to high school Source: American Dental Education Association; 2006 Senior Survey

Rating of “Service” to Certain Demographics of the Population as Reason to Pursue Dentistry, 2006 Among white respondents, only 15.5 percent responded Somewhat High or High importance to the reason of "Service to Own Race or Ethnic Group" Source: American Dental Education Association; 2006 Senior Survey

Education of Dental School Students’ Parents, 2006 Parents of dental school students are well educated Average education of dental students’ parents is greater than that of the U.S. population in general Source: American Dental Education Association, 2006 Senior Survey

Income of Dental School Students’ Parents, 2006 Source: American Dental Education Association, 2006 Senior Survey

Immediate Practice Plans of U. S Immediate Practice Plans of U.S. Dental School Graduates, 1980 – 2006 (of those entering private practice upon graduation) Source: American Dental Education Association, 2006 Senior Survey

Percentage of New Dental School Graduates Applying and Accepted to Postdoctoral Education Programs, 1992 – 2006 GPR and AEGD Programs Specialty Programs Source: American Dental Education Association, 2006 Senior Survey