The Motives Behind the Choice of Dental Specialties Among Iranian Dental Students: A Qualitative Study

Background: The motivational reasons for choosing dental specialties are highly variable among students. A deep understanding of these motives can greatly help in strategic planning this respect. Objectives: Thus, study aimed to explore the Methods: This qualitative evaluated viewpoints 17 students at School Dentistry, Kermanshah University Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran who were selected via purposive sampling. Data collected through semi-structured interviews second semester academic year 2018 - 2019 and analyzed using content analysis method. Results: categorized into five main categories, including conditions nature a specialty (such as acceptance conditions, education, work), financial return level income job market), personal characteristics capabilities affecting choice), external environment effect environmental factors on experiences personality mentors choice). Conclusions: According results, influenced by various individual factors. These should be addressed strategy programs.