Perceived influence of community oral health curriculum on graduates' dental practice choice and volunteerism.

The purpose of this study was to determine if A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) curricular content regarding community oral health has influenced graduates' dental practice choice and volunteering activities in their communities. At ASDOH, the community oral health curriculum consists of three components: 1) coursework in public health resulting in a certificate or master's degree in public health; 2) service-learning activities in the Dentistry in the Community series of course modules, wherein students plan and implement community projects; and 3) community-based clinical rotations of approximately ninety-five days during the fourth year. To accomplish the purposes of the study, a survey was sent to ASDOH alumni who graduated between 2007 and 2010. Of the 208 graduates contacted, ninety-four responded (45.2 percent). Of those who responded, 85 percent reported that the community oral health curriculum influenced their practice choice, and 76 percent reported that they volunteer. Additionally, 58 percent of the respondents reported that the amount of dental school debt they had incurred affected their career plans and professional decision making.