PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS AND PATTERNS OF FUTURE DENTISTS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The paper examines the psychological factors that shape the process of professional development of future dentists during their professional training. It is emphasized that becoming a dental professional is not limited to acquiring specialized knowledge and practical skills but represents a complex personal and professional process involving the formation of motivational orientation, emotional balance, self-regulation abilities, and awareness of one’s professional role. Particular attention is given to professional motivation, psychological resilience, reflexivity, and communicative readiness as essential prerequisites for effective future dental practice.

The study summarizes contemporary scientific approaches to understanding the psychological regularities of professional development of dental students at different stages of education in higher medical institutions. It is demonstrated that insufficient development of psychological components of professional training may hinder adaptation to educational and clinical activities, reduce professional confidence, and contribute to emotional exhaustion. The paper concludes that the systematic integration of psychologically oriented approaches into dental education is necessary to improve the quality of the educational process, ensure professional stability, and support the formation of a competitive and psychologically mature dental specialist.