Attitudes of dental students in governmental versus private universities in Egypt towards acquiring a career in dental public health: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Dental Public Health (DPH) plays a critical role in promoting oral health and addressing community needs, yet remains an unpopular career choice among dental graduates. Understanding students’ attitudes toward DPH is essential for strengthening the dental workforce in prevention-oriented fields, particularly in developing countries such as Egypt. The purpose of the study is to assess the attitudes of dental students in governmental and private universities in Egypt toward pursuing a career in DPH, and to examine how demographic characteristics, academic preferences, and opinions about the DPH subject relate to these attitudes. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among final-year dental students and interns from six Egyptian dental schools (three governmental, three private). A validated, adapted paper-based questionnaire was administered. Attitudes toward DPH were measured using a five-point Likert scale and categorized as positive, neutral, or negative. Chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between variables. Results A total of 393 students participated (response rate: 93.8%). Nearly half (49.9%) showed a positive attitude toward DPH. However, only 6.4% considered pursuing a career in the specialty. A few students (6.4%) favored DPH as an undergraduate subject, and 3.6% preferred it for postgraduate specialization. University type showed no significant association with attitude ( P = 0.41), nor did gender or area of residence. However, regression analysis demonstrated that public university students were 1.7 times more likely to pursue a career in the specialty. About 51% of the students showed interest in serving the public and working in public service. Significant differences in future career plans were observed between students in governmental and private universities ( P = 0.03). Conclusion Egyptian dental students generally exhibit positive attitudes toward DPH, yet few intend to pursue it as a career. Attitudes were not influenced by university type, gender, or area of residence, but were strongly shaped by students’ opinions of the subject of DPH in the undergraduate curriculum. Strengthening early exposure, enhancing practical components, and promoting the importance of DPH are strategies that have the potential to improve interest in this specialty.