ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND FAILURE AMONGST DENTAL STUDENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF WHAT MATTERS

OBJECTIVE: To explore various factors affecting academic success & failure among public sector dental students. METHODS: This mixed-methods study with explanatory sequential approach was completed in May 2021 at Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Pakistan. After taking informed written consent, qualitative quantitative questionnaires were distributed 3rd year Quantitive data analyzed through SPSS version-20. Qualitaive analysed thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Out of 28 students, majority (n=15; 53.6%) females. Passing percentage female students high (n=14/15; 93.33%) as compared males (n=7/13; 53.85%). Failure 6.6% (n=1/15) girls 46.15% (n=6/13) boys. In annual exams, 75% (n=21/28) passed all subjects. About 89.3% (n=25/28) successful satisfied teaching strategies, 85.7% (n=24/28) reflected on their learned material, recalled prior knowledge, 67.9% (n=19/28) hard-working, 71.4% (n=20/28) internaly motivated whereas confident about abilities. Instrumental design, personal issues learning environment the main identified. Sub-themes for instrumental design overload curriculum exam strategies; style, lack sleep, coping class attendance, stress motivation/interest students’ centered, assessment-centered teachers’ centered. CONCLUSION: Successful acknowledged motivation, educational innovative strategies contributing success. Hostel issues, interest dentistry, anxiety, parental education elements failures.