Associations of age and gender differences with career aspirations and burnout among Chinese undergraduate dental students - Report - DentalSpire
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Impact of Age and Gender on Career Goals and Burnout Levels in Chinese Dental Undergraduates

  • By

  • Zhe Chen

  • Ke Wang

  • Rongkai Cao

  • Chenyuan Sun

  • Min Zhang

  • Yujie Cao

  • August 24, 2026

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Clinical Report: Impact of Age and Gender on Career Goals and Burnout Levels

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between age, gender, career aspirations, and burnout levels among Chinese dental undergraduates. Findings indicate that age influences specialization intentions and perceptions of career success, while gender primarily affects perceptions of career success.

Background

Understanding the factors influencing career goals and burnout in dental students is crucial, as these elements can impact future workforce dynamics in dentistry. With increasing numbers of women entering the profession, it is important to explore how gender and age affect career aspirations and mental health outcomes.

Data Highlights

Burnout DimensionMean Score ± SD
Overload10.75 ± 4.98
Lack of Development11.04 ± 2.97
Neglect8.21 ± 3.86

Key Findings

  • Females perceive greater advantages for males in career progression.
  • Younger participants and females favor Orthodontics and Endodontics, while older males prefer Prosthodontics and Oral surgery.
  • Burnout overload and neglect scores are higher among older students.
  • No significant gender differences in burnout scores were observed.
  • Age is linked to career perceptions and willingness to specialize.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate the presence of age- and gender-specific challenges in dental education.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of recognizing demographic factors in shaping career aspirations and burnout among dental undergraduates.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Versaci, M.B., ADA News, 2025 -- Younger dentists more likely to be distressed, struggling
  2. Versaci, M.B., ADA News, 2025 -- Younger dentists more likely to be distressed, struggling, report says
  3. Versaci, M.B., ADA News, 2021 -- Prioritizing passion projects to battle burnout
  4. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Internship experience and psychological symptoms among Chinese healthcare trainees
  5. WHO, Burn-out an occupational phenomenon
  6. BMC Medical Education, 2026 -- Burnout among dental students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. PubMed, A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness: effects on academic stress, academic burnout, and psychological resilience in university students
  8. Burn-out an occupational phenomenon
  9. Burnout among dental students: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMC Medical Education | Springer Nature Link
  10. A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness: effects on academic stress, academic burnout, and psychological resilience in university students - PubMed

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