TRANSFORMATION OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS’ COMPETENCIES IN THE CONTEMPORARY LABOR MARKET

Abstract

The aim of the study was to develop the professional profile of the modern dentist by comparing employers’ requirements with the actual competencies of practicing doctors. Methodology. The research methodology was based on conducting a content analysis of open data from the online resource Work.ua. A total of 316 job vacancies and 1,162 CVs of dental practitioners collected between December 2025 and March 2026 were analyzed. Scientific novelty. Geographical distribution analysis confirmed a high concentration of demand in large metropolitan areas, with Kyiv accounting for the highest share (30.4%), followed by Dnipro (8.2%) and Lviv (5.4%). The study showed that the labor market demonstrates flexibility: although 89.5% of employers offer full-time positions, more than 60% of positions allow part-time work. It was established that the average salary is approximately 60,000 UAH, although the actual number was not stated in nearly half of the advertisements. It was established that modern requirements for hard skills include mandatory proficiency in digital diagnostics (computed tomography, orthopantomography) and minimally invasive treatment techniques. However, the most significant shift is toward soft skills. Employers prioritize interpersonal interaction, empathy, and the ability to work as part of a team. Technological competencies are gaining particular importance, including the ability to work with medical information systems and electronic documentation. The comparison of job postings and CVs revealed a “cognitive gap”: candidates often underestimate their digital skills, not listing them in their CVs, despite clear market demand. At the same time, a high level of motivation among doctors for continuous professional development, as well as proficiency in foreign languages and medical marketing tools were recorded. Conclusions. The analysis of the modern labor market requirements indicates a profound transformation of the professional profile of a dental practitioner, where their competitiveness is now determined by the integration of high clinical mastery, digital literacy, and well-developed soft skills. At the same time, foreign language proficiency and mastery of medical marketing serve as drivers of further development in the field. The identified discrepancies between employers’ demands and how candidates present themselves for vacant positions highlight the need to reconsider priorities in the training and continuing education of dental personnel.