Factors Influencing the Inter‐Country Movement Intentions of Future Dentists in Ireland: A Cross‐Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores why dental students in Ireland plan to work abroad, finding that international students are more likely to return home for better economic and lifestyle opportunities.

Contribution

The study identifies push factors influencing dental students' intentions to move abroad, highlighting differences between Irish and international students.

Findings

68% of international students plan to return to their home country after graduation.

Push factors include better economic conditions, lifestyle, training opportunities, and family considerations.

Abstract

To provide the optimum level of oral healthcare, the supply of dentists should mirror the population’s oral health care needs. However, the ongoing inter‐country movement of oral health professionals is reducing Ireland’s capacity to maintain an adequate oral health workforce. This study aimed to identify the determinants of future dentists’ intentions to engage in inter‐country movement.

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among final‐year dental students at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. To collect the data, a Microsoft Forms based questionnaire was distributed among all students. Descriptive statistics were calculated to characterise students’ motives for pursuing a future career abroad.

A total of 50 out of 50 invited final‐year dental students participated in the study. The sample consisted of equal proportions of Irish nationals and international students (n = 25 each). Canadian students represented the predominant international cohort, accounting for 42% of all participants. Regarding immediate career plans, 8% of Irish students intended to move abroad compared with 68% of international students. The sample consisted of equal proportions of Irish nationals and international students (n = 25 each), with Canadian students comprising the largest subgroup at 42% of the total sample. A marked difference was observed between the two cohorts in terms of immediate career intention. Only 8% of Irish students indicated plans to work abroad, compared with 68% of international students, the majority of whom expressed a desire to return to their home country. Regarding long‐term career plans, 20% of Irish students anticipated relocating abroad, whereas only 12% of international students reported intentions to leave their country of origin. The most frequently cited push factors influencing decisions to emigrate from Ireland included more favourable economic conditions, improved lifestyle opportunities, increased access to training programmes and family‐related considerations.

The majority of international dental students in Ireland are aiming to pursue their dental career in their home countries due to better economic conditions and living standards. These findings suggest that Irish policymakers and educational institutions might need to consider new approaches for the retention of newly graduating dentists.