Independence, financial security and 'prestige' were the predominant motivating factors in this group of first-year dental students. Determining the reasons for choosing dentistry has important implications for the selection and training of students as well as for their future job satisfaction.

The study suggests that dental students would value international exchanges, which may enhance students' knowledge and self-awareness related to cultural competence.

In this study, 491 dental students at one dental school in the United States and one in Bulgaria were surveyed to assess their perceptions about the mission of dental schools to advance global dentistry and philanthropy. The study included questions about prior involvement in charitable dental missions. Many respondents felt that their dental school does not advance global dentistry nor adequately teaches students the virtues of philanthropy and volunteerism. The majority agreed, however, that dental schools have a moral obligation to raise the level of oral health care worldwide and help underserved communities access basic dental care. They reported that an opportunity to spend a semester at a foreign dental school would enhance their dental education in ways that are not presently fulilled; help them better understand cultural diversity; and teach them about philanthropy and volunteerism. In their opinion, international exchange programs that provide clinical rotations and ield experiences in economically challenged and underserved areas of the world would a) foster the global advancement of dentistry; b) promote an appreciation for cultural diversity and socioeconomic disparity in the communities that graduates will be serving; and c) teach students the virtues of philanthropy and volunteerism. This study may contribute to understanding factors affecting student involvement in programs to advance global dentistry.Dr. Ivanoff is Associate Professor,

SUMMARYObjective: The study aimed to establish the mean DMFT of adults over the age of 20 years in Bulgaria. We also aimed to determine any association between demographic factors, such as age, gender, general health status etc, and dental caries.Material and Methods: The study was conducted from 2006 to 2009. Data was collected from a randomly chosen representative sample of 1741 adults aged over 20 years, from 13 Bulgarian cities and villages. From these 1741 adults, 105 (6.03%) refused to complete the questionnaire. A total of 1636 (93.97%) were included in the survey, of which 766 (47%) lived in villages and small towns and 870 (53%) in the capital city Sofia and other cities. The average age of the sample was 39.6 years. 894 (54.6%) were male and 742 (45.4%) were female. Each participant completed a questionnaire about demographic and socio-demographic status. Afterwards, a clinical examination was carried out. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA were used to test for statistical significance of qualitative variables (p<0.05).Results: For the whole study sample, mean DMFT was 17.8 (SD 7.98). There was a statistically significant association between DMFT and age. Women had higher DMFT values (18.6 ± 7.66)) than men (15.2 ± 7.91). There was a link between DMFT and general health too. People with excellent general health had DMFT 11.5 (SD 6.39), whereas people with bad general health had DMFT 21.4 (SD 8.16).Conclusion: Mean DMFT score of adults in Bulgaria is 17.76 teeth. There is an association between some demographic factors and DMFT. Women, people with bad general health and older people have higher values of DMFT and need more care from dental health services.

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