Orthodontic graduate education survey

Opinions, plans, and demographics of orthodontic residents: A follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to explore current orthodontic residents' demographics, their opinions on their residency and plans for the future and highlight secular changes since past surveys.

METHODS

An anonymous 39-item institutional review board-approved survey was implemented at the 2018 Graduate Orthodontic Resident Program using an online survey tool and portable devices. Questions fit 3 categories: program, future goals, and demographics. Responses were analyzed to determine frequencies, means, and cross tabulations. Analyses of variance and chi-square were applied with significance defined as P <0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 489 attendees, 76% completed the survey; most were female (51%), white (60%), U.S. citizens (85%), single (63%), and very satisfied with their programs (54%). Tuition costs varied, but 18% of respondents paid >$80,000 annually. Orthodontic and total educational debts were significantly correlated (r = 0.704) and averaged $137,706 ± $127,380 and $323,071 ± $266,510, respectively. These debts were significantly lower (P <0.0001) for respondents with stipends. Debts influenced the decision of where to work in the future for 62% of respondents and were a source of anxiety for 72% of respondents. Educational debts were significantly positively associated with anxiety levels (P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey provided current information on orthodontic residents' opinions, plans, and demographics. Comparisons with previous surveys showed increases in the number of female respondents, tuition costs, and educational debts and decreases in stipends. Orthodontics may be approaching a "bubble market" where the financial benefits do not outweigh specialty education costs.

Graduate orthodontic education in Turkey: the residents' perspective

The aim of the present study was to explore residents' perceptions of their educational and clinical treatment experiences including the number of clinical cases undertaken, patient completion rates, techniques utilised and the scientific component of Turkish graduate orthodontic programmes. Residents recorded in the list of Turkish Orthodontic Society were sent an e-mail to participate in a survey containing 46 multiple-choice questions and ten one-line answers. An e-mail with a personalised online link was sent to a total of 227 residents throughout the Turkey. Data were categorised, and basic statistics including chi-square comparative analyses were performed. A total of 136 (response rate of 59.91%) residents completed the survey. The majority of residents (58.08%) were either 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their programme. Respondents said they have just the right amount of formal didactic teaching sessions or dedicated and protected academic time. Most residents (69.11%) indicated their programme offers training in numerous philosophies; whilst 97.79% said they have sufficient clinically based training and 42.64% said they have sufficient research-based training. Overall, residents in the Turkey are satisfied with their orthodontic programme. They receive comprehensive training with the opportunity to start and complete a significant number of their patients. The survey findings suggest that orthodontic programmes in Turkey are deficient in providing care to underserviced populations and disabled patients. Programmes could improve the opportunity for residents to treat patients requiring interdisciplinary treatment.

Motivations of orthodontic residents in Canada and the United States to treat patients with craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip/palate, and special needs

OBJECTIVES

To determine the motivation of orthodontic residents in Canada and the United States to treat patients with cleft lip/palate (CLP), craniofacial anomalies (CFA), and special needs (SN).

METHODS

In March 2009, an e-mail with a link to a 41-item survey was sent to all orthodontic residents in Canada and the United States (n  =  944).

RESULTS

Of 944 residents contacted, 339 viewed and 208 completed the survey (22.03%). Using a seven-point Likert scale, residents recognized the importance of treating patients with CLP/CFA/SN. When asked if they plan to treat patients with CLP/CFA/SN, 54.48% responded yes, 13.46% no, and 36.06% were unsure. A total of 38.05% said they would charge the same fee as a typical multiarch case, while 58.05% would charge more, and 60% of fourth-year residents would charge twice the fee. Of the respondents, 43.00% were aware of the established fellowship programs in CLP/CFA/SN. Canadian residents (67.9%) were more enthusiastic about completing a fellowship than Americans were. Of the respondents, 29.33% would complete a 1-year fellowship, while 70.67% would not. A total of 78.4% of male respondents and 77.4% of American residents indicated they would not pursue a fellowship.

CONCLUSIONS

Residents supported the importance of treating patients with CLP/CFA/SN, and more than 54% indicated they plan to treat these patients. Residents who indicated that they would not treat these patients sited limited experience and inadequate expertise as the reasons. Less than 30% indicated a willingness to pursue a fellowship program.

Orthodontic education programs: an international comparison of students' views and experiences

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics of students completing certificate programs in orthodontics, and the curriculum and financial characteristics of orthodontic programs in the English-speaking world.

METHODS

An online survey was used to question orthodontic students studying in the 93 programs worldwide in countries where the first language is English. The questionnaire was built by using the online survey tool www.surveymonkey.com, and the students were predominantly contacted directly via e-mail.

RESULTS

Of the 301 respondents (an estimated response rate of 33%), the majority were men, had an average age of 29.8 years, and were mostly from programs in the United States. The mean program durations were 31.0 months in the United States and 37.1 months in the Commonwealth, with mean total patient loads of 84 and 106, respectively. Various treatment modalities were used in both groups. The mean annual tuition fee was considerably higher in the United States. The overall mean debt at graduation was $118,200, and the mean expected income 5 years after graduation was $283,200. Private practice was the most popular career path (90.3%), with fewer than a third of the respondents stating that they would consider an academic career.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the demographic characteristics of orthodontic students are similar to those most recently reported, with the proportion of female students continuing to increase. The numbers of transitional dentition patients and total patient case loads are increasing, and students are being exposed to an increasingly wide range of treatment techniques. A continuing increase in tuition fees was reported, along with increased levels of debt at graduation, and fewer students intend to have an academic career.

Motivations and future plans of Canadian orthodontic residents

INTRODUCTION

Our purposes were to investigate factors influencing career choice and to identify future plans of Canadian orthodontic residents.

METHODS

All orthodontic residents in the 5 Canadian residency training programs were invited to complete an anonymous online survey in November 2006. Data were categorized by demographic variables, and basic statistics including chi-square comparative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-four of the 54 residents in Canada (81.48%) completed the survey. "Intellectual stimulation/challenge" emerged as the most important factor (40%) influencing the decision to pursue specialty training in orthodontics, followed by a "passion for orthodontics" (29%). The decision to become an orthodontist was made by 42% of respondents while they were in dental school; 33% had decided after completing dental school, and 24% had already decided before starting their dental school studies. Most residents (82%) planned to work in a private practice environment. Only 2 (4.5%) indicated that they will most likely practice primarily in an academic setting. Eighty percent said that they will use self-ligating brackets in private practice, and almost 80% said they will use Invisalign (Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif). A total of 55% indicated that orthodontic residents should be required to undertake research leading to a masters of science degree as part of their orthodontic program. A total of 77% thought that a 24- to 30-month program was too short to adequately prepare them for private practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Intellectual stimulation was the major attraction of most applicants to orthodontic programs, and the decision to become an orthodontist was normally made during dental school or even earlier. Most residents intended to enter an urban or suburban private practice after graduation, with few considering academic career choices. Modern techniques such as self-ligating brackets and Invisalign are expected to be popular among future orthodontists in Canada.

Future practice plans of orthodontic residents in the United States

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the future clinical practice plans of orthodontic residents in the United States.

METHODS

All program chairs and directors of the 65 US orthodontic residency programs were contacted by e-mail and telephone and asked for permission to e-mail their residents and invite them to take part in an anonymous 57-item questionnaire online. A total of 335 e-mails from 37 programs were obtained, and the survey was sent in May 2007. Basic statistics including chi-square comparative analyses were performed by sex, age, and year of program.

RESULTS

A total of 63.04% of orthodontic residents plan to use self-ligating brackets; 84.06% plan to use Invisalign (Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif); 92.03% plan to use temporary anchorage devices, and 72.26% plan on placing them themselves; 28.26% plan to use cone-beam computerized tomography; 92.75% plan to use a digital imaging program; 45.65% plan to use indirect bonding; and 10.87% plan to use lingual orthodontics. A total of 70.07% plan to use 2-phase treatment, and 61.59% said they will use functional appliances. A total of 81.16% plan to become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, but only 18.12% thought certification should be mandatory for licensure; 36.50% indicated that a master of science degree should be required in their program, and 77.94% believe that a 24- to 30-month program adequately prepares them for future orthodontic practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Newer orthodontic technologies such as self-ligating brackets, temporary anchorage devices, and Invisalign as well as functional appliances are expected to grow in popularity in the United States because of projected future use by orthodontic residents. Two-phase orthodontic treatment with functional appliance mechanics will continue to be used. Most orthodontic residents will become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics but do not believe it should be necessary for licensure. Orthodontic residents in the United States believe that a 2-year program adequately prepares them for private practice.

Graduate orthodontic education: The residents’ perspective

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to identify current demographic trends of orthodontic residents, their goals for the future, and their perspectives on orthodontic training.

METHODS

A 26-item survey was conducted at the Graduate Orthodontic Residency Program (GORP) at Harvard University in August 2003. Questionnaires were distributed to residents representing 51 orthodontic programs (of 58 in the United States). Surveys were sent to 5 of the 7 programs whose residents did not attend GORP.

RESULTS

Of the 380 questionnaires distributed, 295 were completed and returned at the meeting for a 77% response rate. Additionally, 35 of the 50 mailed questionnaires were completed and returned, for a total response rate of 77% (330 completed/430 distributed). Most residents stated that clinical education was the most important factor when choosing a residency. Most residents planned to publish their research, complete American Board of Orthodontics certification requirements, and work 4 days a week after program completion.

CONCLUSIONS

Several trends were identified since orthodontic residents were last surveyed in 1992. The most significant change reported was an increase in the number of those who plan to complete American Board of Orthodontics certification requirements.

Orthodontic graduate education survey, 1983-2000

Throughout academic year 1999/2000, the fourth in a series of national surveys sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists Council on Education was conducted to determine the status of graduate education, to assemble information on the didactic and clinical material being taught, and to provide a basis for comparison with past and future studies. The results of the previous studies were published in 1984, 1989, and 1995. The specific purpose of the 2000 study was to identify trends and evaluate new developments in orthodontic education over the past 17 years. A 346-item survey questionnaire, covering 8 major areas of orthodontic graduate education, was sent to graduate program directors in the United States and Canada. The major areas analyzed were program organization, graduate students, faculty, facilities, clinical details, treatment techniques, research, and curriculum. Findings showed that curricular time devoted to clinical activities is increasing, but curricular time devoted to research is declining. The rate of student publications is down precipitously. The numbers of full-time and half-time faculty members are declining, and departments increasingly rely on part-time faculty to meet teaching needs. Overall experience levels of the faculty are declining. Fewer faculty members are American Board of Orthodontics diplomates. Faculty salaries, when adjusted for inflation, are down from 1994. Tuitions have increased dramatically over the last 5 years. Approximately 50% of all programs are now 3 years long. Clinic fees are now roughly two thirds those of local private-practice fees. Students are treating more mixed dentition and craniofacial cases and fewer nonsurgical adult cases. Fewer departments are relying on centralized radiographic facilities in their parent dental schools, preferring in-department radiography. Approximately 50% of the first-year students are female.

Orthodontic training: the residents' perspective

A survey was carried out at the Graduate Orthodontic Residents' Conference at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in August 1991. Questionnaires were distributed to the attending residents who included representatives from 41 of the 51 orthodontic programs in the United States at that time. Of the questionnaires 81% were completed and returned by residents at the schools. Information was gathered relating to the residents themselves, as well as their programs, educational backgrounds, and career plans. The assimilated opinions of the residents on various aspects of their training are presented.