U.S. Navy Dental Corps Officer Survey: Perceptions, Attitudes, and Turnover Intent

The purpose of this study was to evaluate profession-related attitudes and perceptions of active duty Navy Dental Corps officers and to identify demographic, professional, and attitudinal factors associated with turnover intent. Statistical analyses of the responses of the 1,156 Dental Corps officers 70 who returned the anonymous survey indicated that a number of important professional values e.g., training, camaraderie, challenge, quality of care are both highly prized and well afforded with the Navy Dental Corps. However, pay, promotion opportunities, and administrative or collateral duty requirements are identified as areas of greatest concern. Satisfaction with the job, pay, and promotion opportunities were negatively associated with the intent to separate from active duty. Subspecialists in oralmaxillofacial surgery, periodontics, and endodontics were more likely to express a turnover intent. The results of this study provide an empirical basis for an improved understanding of the Navy Dental Corps and can serve as a valuable heuristic for policy deliberations.