Resumo

COSTA, Simone de Melo et al. Reasons for choosing dentistry: vocation, option or necessity?. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2010, vol.46, n.1, pp. 28-37. ISSN 1516-0939.

The process of making a career choice is not an easy task due to several anxieties involved in choosing an occupation. This study was aimed at identifying the reasons for choosing a professional career and its conviction among dental students at the School of Dentistry of the State University of Montes Claros (Unimontes), Brazil, in 2006. This is a qualitative study carried out using semi-structured interviews and content analysis based on thematic analysis. Fourteen reasons for choosing dentistry as a career were highlighted, including: it is in the field of health/biology; influence of family or friends; influence of the university; and advantages of dentistry when compared to medicine. The fact that dentistry belongs to the health/biological sciences was the most prominent answer given by the interviewees. It was noted that some students demonstrated a conviction in their career choice, while others stated that they had chosen dentistry without conviction, yet still believed that they were making the right choice. There are a wide range of reasons that influence an individual's career choices. It could be concluded that psychological, social, economic, educational, and political factors affect the choice of a professional career.

Palavras-chave : Occupational choice; Dentistry; Students.