Perception of Attendance: A Comprehensive Survey of Students, Faculty, and Administrators in US Dental Schools

Alice Chan; Molly D. Cohen; Evangelos Papathanasiou; Casey E. Rhines; Jolene R. Zirnheld; Dharini van der Hoeven

doi:10.1002/jdd.70206

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Perception of Attendance: A Comprehensive Survey of Students, Faculty, and Administrators in US Dental Schools

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Perception of Attendance: A Comprehensive Survey of Students, Faculty, and Administrators in US Dental Schools

Alice Chan, Molly D. Cohen, Evangelos Papathanasiou, Casey E. Rhines, Jolene R. Zirnheld and Dharini van der Hoeven

Journal of dental education

03/06/2026

DOI: 10.1002/jdd.70206

PMID: 41788035

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Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: Class attendance has traditionally been viewed as essential for academic success and professional development, particularly in health professions education. However, evolving educational technologies and changing student demographics have sparked debate about the necessity of mandatory attendance policies, especially in the complex context of dental education. This study explores the attitudes of students, faculty, and administrators toward attendance and their implications for policy development in US dental schools. Methods: A Qualtrics survey containing demographic items and questions assessing qualitative and quantitative perspectives on attendance policies was administered to students, faculty, and administrators (a total of 3793 individuals) across six US dental schools in 2025. Results: A total of 455 individuals participated in the survey (12% response rate). Reasons for student non-attendance were found to be multifactorial. Statistical analysis suggested possible generational differences in attitudes toward mandatory attendance. A clear consensus among educators stood in marked contrast to student views. Conclusion: Findings suggest that attitudes toward attendance vary across roles and age cohorts. Students are more likely to favor flexibility and self-directed learning, while faculty and administrators continue to emphasize face-to-face engagement. Qualitative responses suggest that rigid attendance policies may not align with students' perceived learning needs. These findings underscore the importance of student-reported drivers of attendance, such as instructional quality, classroom engagement, and opportunities for autonomy.

attendance

dental education

Teaching/Learning

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Details

Title: Subtitle: Perception of Attendance: A Comprehensive Survey of Students, Faculty, and Administrators in US Dental Schools
Creators: Alice Chan - University of the Pacific
Molly D. Cohen - University of New England
Evangelos Papathanasiou - Tufts University
Casey E. Rhines - University of Colorado Denver
Jolene R. Zirnheld - University of Louisville
Dharini van der Hoeven - University of Iowa, Dentistry Administration
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of dental education
DOI: 10.1002/jdd.70206
PMID: 41788035
ISSN: 0022-0337
eISSN: 1930-7837
Publisher: Wiley
Number of pages: 10
Language: English
Date published: 03/06/2026
Academic Unit: Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine; Dentistry Administration
Record Identifier: 9985156727402771

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