American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry survey of US pediatric dentistry faculty members.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
This survey's purpose was to:
(1) assess the status of the pediatric dentistry academic workforce; (2) determine if the current workforce is sufficient for pediatric and general dentistry education requirements; (3) address other workforce issues; and (4) explore factors influencing this faculty shortage, thereby narrowing the focus of other surveys.

METHODS:
In 2004, 130 pediatric dentistry faculty members completed a Web-based survey regarding workforce issues. Questions were asked regarding:
(1) faculty characteristics; (2) job history prior to academics; (3) academic career longevity/motivators for change; and (4) private practice participation.

RESULTS:
Twenty-four percent indicated academic involvement for over 25 years, followed by 20% indicating 1- to 4-year involvement. Eighty-two percent of chairpersons had educators leave within the last 5 years, with 38% of positions remaining unfilled. Motivators for leaving included location (25%), family (19%), and faculty (12%). Twenty-three percent identified salary as an influential factor when considering an institution change, and 74% felt clinical tracks would aid in recruiting/retaining faculty. The majority of full-time faculty members maintained a part-time practice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Survey results indicate that pediatric dentistry mirrors the national dental faculty member shortage. Most troubling is the loss of educators after 5 and 10 years of teaching, perhaps due to salary disparities with private practice, tenure requirements, and family.

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Author information

Author/s: Wood, Jeffrey (J); Barbieri, Damon M (DM); Rutkauskas, John S (JS); Seewoester, Sarah (S);

Affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, Calif., USA. jwood(-atsign-)pacific.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Pediatric dentistry (Pediatr Dent), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2006 Nov-Dec; vol 28 (issue 6) : pp 537-42

Dates: Created 2007/01/25; Completed 2007/02/23;

PMID: 17249436, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Career Choice
Career Mobility
Faculty, Dental - supply & distribution
General Practice, Dental - education; manpower
Humans
Internet
Motivation
Pediatric Dentistry - education; manpower; statistics & numerical data

Pediatric Dentistry - education; manpower; statistics & numerical data
Personnel Selection
Private Practice - statistics & numerical data
Questionnaires
Salaries and Fringe Benefits
Societies, Dental
Time Factors
United States

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