LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Australia has a lack of dental practitioners in rural and remote regions. This study evaluates the impact of a Rural Clinical Placement Program (RCPP) offered to final year students at the University of Sydney (USYD) Dental School on the graduates working locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS University of Sydney students who graduated between 2009 and 2013 (n = 404) were invited to complete a telephone interview. One hundred and thirty-five graduates were interviewed, 90 RCPP participants and 45 non-participants. RESULTS The majority of graduates interviewed were from a metropolitan background (87%), 47% were female, 77% worked full time, and 70% were employed in private practice. A higher proportion (33%) of the RCPP participants were working in rural Australia compared with 18% of the non-participants. The graduates reported that the RCPP was a high-quality program with excellent rural clinical supervisors, provided broad clinical dentistry; they met appreciative patients and enjoyed the rural lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS The RCPP was a valuable and positive experience with many considering it as a highlight of their dental education. A large proportion reported the program positively influenced their employment location choices, and a higher proportion of the RCPP participants were identified as working rurally, compared to the non-participants.