FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FAILURE IN THE SCORES OF THE NATIONAL DENTISTRY EXAM IN PERU, 2017-2021

Introduction: In Peru, there is little research on academic performance of dentistry students in the exit exam. Objective: To determine the factors associated with failure in the scores of the National Dentistry Exam (Examen Nacional de Odontología-ENAO) among applicants to the Peruvian Rural and Urban Marginal Health Service (Servicio Rural y Urbano Marginal de Salud-SERUMS) during 2017-2021. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. The dependent variable was the failing score (score < 10.5 points). Descriptive statistics were calculated and associated factors were obtained using generalised linear models. Results: Among the 7275 examinees, the average failure rate was 31% and graduates from private universities were the ones who obtained failing scores the most. The factors associated with failing the ENAO were the nationality of the applicants (Peruvians failed the most, p=0.032), sex (women failed the most, p<0.001), the type of university (applicants from private universities failed the most, p<0.001), whether the university of graduation was located in Lima (applicants from provinces failed the most, p=0.014), the region where the university was located (applicants from the highlands failed the most, p<0.001) and the year of application (2021 had the most number of failing scores, p<0.001). Conclusion: Three out of ten applicants have a failing score in the ENAO and there are associated factors. This opens discussion about whether universities are training future dentistry professionals well from the theoretical point of view, whether this score must be used for them to practice their career or not, and what actions must be taken to improve the situation.