Perceptions and future aspirations of Orthodontic residents

Abstract

Introduction: The post graduation programs in any of the available fields in dentistry are the highest level of education available in the medical system of Pakistan. Investigating the resident’s choice of program, level of satisfaction with the program and their future aspirations can provide fundamental information that can be used to improve and modify training curriculum and help ensure a higher level of satisfaction with the available residency programs.

Material and Methods: One hundred self administered questionnaires were distributed to several Orthodontic training programs across Pakistan. The questionnaire comprised of demographics, reasons for choosing orthodontics, level of satisfaction with the program, expectations after orthodontic training, cost of training (finances and time) and future aspirations.

Results: Majority of the residents were enrolled in the FCPS program, receiving salary. Majority of residents received salary; however, additional funding was required by almost all the residents. Eighty percent of the residents reported Orthodontics as their first choice of training program. The reputation of the supervisor and program were chosen as the prime reason for choosing a specific training program. The most popular reasons stated for choosing orthodontics as the first choice for training was no on-call duty. A clear majority of sixty-four percent wanted to pursue a teaching position after graduation.

Conclusions: The training programs must be developed to the highest of standards, at par with international standards and congruent with the expectations of residents.