Dentistry's social contract and dental students' moral inclusiveness.

Background: Under dentistry's social contract with the public, dental professionals have a social responsibility to address the oral health needs of the population at large. However, dental education places little emphasis on such moral commitments. By ascertaining dental students' stance regarding these notions, we may be able to inform changes in dental education.

How do dental students perceive the role of dental professionals?

Objectives: To explore dental students' perceptions of the role of dental professionals as healthcare providers and/or businesspersons.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey collected information from undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto (N = 430). PPR was assessed through a visual analog scale (VAS) question, with the two ends labeled as "Healthcare Provider" (0) and "Business Person" (100), which asked respondents to point where they perceived dental professionals to be.

What influences attitudes toward professionalism in dental students?

Objectives: To explore dental students' attitudes toward professionalism and the environmental, institutional, and student-related factors that may be associated with these attitudes.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey, conducted in 2020, analyzed data from a convenience sample of undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto. Attitudes toward professionalism were assessed using Likert scale statements related to the American Dental Education Association professionalism values of "Fairness," "Responsibility," "Respect," and "Service-mindedness.