Dental education experiences, career outlook, and professional preparedness: a cross-sectional study of senior students at private universities in Iraq

Background Senior dental students’ transition from preclinical education to clinical practice is critical for their preparedness and future career outlook. In Iraq, private dental institutions are increasingly contributing to the dental workforce, but little is known about how well they prepare students for professional practice. This study aims to assess senior dental students’ perceptions of professional preparedness and career outlook at selected private universities in Iraq, and to identify the educational and demographic factors associated with these perceptions. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2025 among fourth- and fifth-year dental students at three private universities in Baghdad (Al-Esraa, Ashur, and Uruk). A purposive sampling technique was used. The sample size was 1,180 eligible students, of whom 1,041 responded (response rate: 88%). A bilingual, paper-based questionnaire was distributed, covering demographics, educational experiences, and career expectations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial, and ordered logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results A total of 1,041 senior dental students (38.3% males, 61.7% females) participated, mostly aged 21–23 years (85.1%) and single (92.9%). Over half (55.8%) viewed the dental profession as declining, while 48.9% felt somewhat prepared for practice. Significant gender differences appeared in marital and employment status ( p < 0.05). Prioritizing job stability (RRR = 2.5, p < 0.001), salary (RRR = 3.0, p < 0.001), and work–life balance (RRR = 2.5, p < 0.001) predicted pessimism. Students rating education as excellent (RRR = 0.1, p < 0.001) or good (RRR = 0.3, p = 0.031) were less likely to perceive decline and more likely to feel prepared (OR = 3.9, p < 0.001). Positive views of private education, experienced faculty (OR = 1.6, p = 0.001), and job stability (OR = 1.3, p = 0.035) further enhanced preparedness and optimism. Conclusion Students’ perceptions of educational quality and career values significantly influenced their professional outlook and preparedness for practice, highlighting the role of educational experience and career priorities in shaping attitudes toward the dental profession. Incorporating mentorship and market-readiness modules into the curriculum may bridge the gap between clinical competence and employability among future dental graduates.