Perception of Dental Students towards Clinical Instructors as Role Models and the influence on Career Choice - Sudan

Background Clinical instructors play a vital role in shaping the professional development and career decisions of dental students. This study aimed to evaluate students’ perceptions of their clinical instructors as role models and to explore the influence of these perceptions on career choices. Methods Descriptive analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 139 dental students across the fourth and fifth academic levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequencies, percentages, and means were calculated, and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney) were applied to assess associations between demographic variables, role model perceptions, and career influence. Results Among the participants, 66.9% viewed their clinical instructors as role models, and 49.6% believed their instructors had a positive effect on their career choices. The most highly valued role model qualities were the ability to explain difficult topics (91.4%), strong knowledge in specialty (90.7%), and interactive teaching (90.7%). A statistically significant association was found between academic level and positive career influence (p = 0.031), with fourth-year students more likely to report a positive impact. Students who considered instructors as role models also rated procedure performance and leadership qualities significantly higher. Conclusion Students value Clinical Instructors who demonstrate both clinical competence and effective teaching skills as Role Models in selecting their future career choices. Role modeling significantly influences career decisions, particularly among students in earlier clinical years. Institutions should support faculty development and mentorship programs to strengthen positive role modeling in clinical education. Trial Registration Not Applicable