Factors Affecting Academic Performance of Dental Graduates (2008-2016): A Study from A Colombian Public University

Abstract

Graduate follow-up studies are essential tools used by higher education institutions to evaluate training effectiveness and employment outcomes in dental education. This study analyzed survey data from 100 dentistry graduates (2008-2016) from a Colombian public university to examine the influence of academic factors on dental training and assess current employment status. Using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis, the research revealed a high employment rate (79%) among graduates, with predominant participation in private practice and urban settings. Significant gender-based differences were found in the perception of academic training factors, while the majority of graduates reported satisfaction with their professional preparation and current employment situation. The findings challenge previous assumptions about inadequate dental education preparation for current market demands and provide valuable insights into graduates' professional trajectories, contributing to the limited literature on dental graduate outcomes in developing countries.