Background: The transition from dental education to professional practice represents a critical stage in career development, influenced by individual expectations, labor market conditions, and institutional support mechanisms. This study aimed to explore final-year dental students’ perceptions of professional transition and the role of public authorities in facilitating early-career integration. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 final-year dental students from a single Romanian university using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most students reported feeling insufficiently prepared for professional practice and identified lack of clinical experience as the main barrier to employment. A strong preference for private sector employment was observed, while interest in the public sector was limited. Students expressed a clear need for structured support, including mentorship, practical training, and career guidance. A significant association was identified between intention to work abroad and the types of support expected from authorities (χ2(2) = 14.7, p < 0.001, moderate effect size). Conclusions: The findings highlight important challenges in the transition to professional practice and emphasize the need for coordinated interventions involving educational institutions and public authorities. Strengthening structured support mechanisms may facilitate professional integration and contribute to improved workforce retention.
Daniel et al. (Thu,) studied this question.