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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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