Absenteeism observed during lectures is increasing over the years of study and the low clinical performances are evidence of a decrease in students’ motivation. Few studies have looked into the factors of dental students’ lack of motivation during their training. The aim of our study was to determine the reasons for the decline in motivation during the course of studies in dentistry at the University of Casablanca. A qualitative study was carried out among the students of the Faculty of Dentistry in the year 2012. Five focus groups (one per year of study), totaling 40 participants were conducted. The duration of sessions varied between 30 to 45 minutes. Open questions concerning the perception of the career of dentist, dental medicine choices, motivation and lack of motivation, were used to guide discussion. Time and again, the choice of dentistry came after medicine. Most of the participants reported a decrease in motivation compared with the beginning of the training. In discussing the causes of this decrease in motivation, three main arguments emerged. These arguments were related to stress, expenses related to the training and lack of confidence in skills. The improvement of learning conditions is necessary to maintain the students’ motivation.
