When it comes to dental school graduates, only one dentist in two is satisfied. Overall, dentists graded recent dental graduates at about a C+.

Half of survey respondents report that they are “satisfied” (33%) or “very satisfied” (17%). On the other hand, half are “seriously disappointed” (22%) or “mostly unimpressed” (28%).

Here’s what dentists have to say about dental school graduates – both in terms of dental practice management savvy and clinical know-how:

• “I feel that a lot of the graduates of dental school do not have the work ethic that my group has, and they expect to be making a six figure income straight out of school!!” (Alabama dentist)
• “Clinical requirements for graduation have been decreasing significantly, and students now are not getting the same education and experience students did 10 years ago.  Most receive little to no dental implant education and little experience with dentures.” (Ohio prosthodontist)
• “Too many don’t know how to do the procedures required once in practice.  With us old guys being their backup, they continue to work… but as we retire, the skills we teach them are lost to them.”
• “Texas has three fine dental school with state of the art equipment.” (Texas dentist)
• “I think it is a shame that some state schools accept an inordinate number of international students over qualified in-state students, frankly because they can charge the former increased tuitions.”

Read more: Dental School Graduates Disappoint Dentists