Factors Influencing Dental Students’ Intentions to Pursue Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency: A Cross Sectional Study

Purpose: This study examines factors influencing dental students’ intentions to pursue oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residency in Israel and how these intentions evolve throughout their education. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 349 dental students from two Israeli universities (response rate: 46.5%). Data collected included demographics, previous OMFS exposure, and interest in OMFS specialization. Analysis included chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and mediation analyses. Results: Interest in OMFS specialization declined from 54–58% in pre-clinical years to 30.6% in the final year (p < 0.001). Each additional year of study decreased odds of OMFS interest by 24% (OR = 0.76, p = 0.001). Students with previous OMFS exposure showed higher interest (OR = 1.79, p = 0.011). Prior OMFS experience partially mediated (9.8%) the relationship between year of study and OMFS interest. Arab-Muslim students showed higher interest than Jewish students (OR = 2.48, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Interest in OMFS specialization decreases as students progress through dental education, with prior exposure to OMFS mitigating this decline. Cultural factors also influence interest. Early, sustained OMFS exposure and culturally sensitive career counseling may help maintain student interest in this specialty.