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Clinical Section

Perceptions of orthodontic specialist training in the United Kingdom: a national survey of postgraduate orthodontic student opinion

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Pages 202-217 | Received 28 Aug 2015, Accepted 15 Jun 2016, Published online: 05 Aug 2016
 

Abstract

Introduction: Postgraduate orthodontic education is highly challenging. There is a lack of evidence regarding orthodontic postgraduates’ perceptions of their orthodontic education in the United Kingdom. In addition, no study has been conducted to compare the postgraduate orthodontic training experience between UK trainees and international postgraduates. Objectives: (1) To investigate orthodontic UK trainees’ and international postgraduates’ perception and satisfaction of their orthodontic education. (2) To compare postgraduate orthodontic training experience between UK trainees and international postgraduates. (3) To compare orthodontic caseload between UK trainees and international postgraduates. Methods: Utilizing a descriptive, cross-sectional survey, conducted through a web-based self-administered questionnaire, the sample population consisted of all 189 orthodontic postgraduates in the United Kingdom. Results: One hundred and twenty-five questionnaires were completed resulting in a response rate of 66.1%. All three academic years were evenly represented. Ninety five (76%) respondents rated the quality of their postgraduate orthodontic education as excellent. Over 90% of third year postgraduates felt the quality of their education was excellent. The majority of orthodontic trainees (n = 98, 78.4%) were satisfied with the number of cases. Apart from the first year postgraduates, other postgraduates regardless of UK trainee or international postgraduate status reported a high number of cases in treatment, with 45 (36%) respondents treating more patients than the recommended range of 80–120. Postgraduates’ responses were less positive regarding their ability to influence the delivery of their programme, whether their programme represented value for money and the fairness of their training. Most of the respondents believed that UK trainees had an advantage in communicating with patients. Conclusion: The majority of orthodontic postgraduates rated the quality of their postgraduate education as excellent. Apart from first year postgraduates, other postgraduates irrespective of UK trainee or international postgraduate status reported a high number of cases in treatment. There was no difference in caseload between UK trainee and international postgraduate groups.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), particularly Mrs Ann Wright for her advice and assistance in distributing the research questionnaire.

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