Profile of prosthodontics program directors in North America.

PURPOSE: To develop a current profile of prosthodontics program directors (PPDs) in United States dental schools and describe the current challenges and responsibilities of those serving in the position and assess the professional needs of the program directors (PDs) to better support them in their roles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was sent to 51 participants who were identified as PPDs in North America via Qualtrics in 2019 to assess the professional needs of PDs to better support their roles. The survey consisted of 29 items organized into six sections: (1) demographic information; (2) hours and time spent in various areas of the job; (3) greatest challenges; (4) perceived importance of specific competencies; (5) opinions on the greatest rewards of the position; (6) their needs for support from the American College of Prosthodontists and advice for the future PD. RESULTS: The response rate for this survey was 88.3%. Of the 45 respondents, the majority were white/non-Hispanic, followed by Asian/Pacific Islanders. The two largest and equal numbers of participants who worked for more than 10 years and between 1 and 3 years were observed with approximately 29% each, and PDs who worked less than a year occupied the least amount. Overall, 34% of PDs are on the tenure track and 80% of those are tenured. Teaching and clinical services took away the greatest time with approximately 42% and 22.1%, respectively. Thirty-five (78%) PDs listed the greatest challenge they encountered was the workload of the role. Skills listed in leadership and personnel competencies were all rated more important than most of the skills listed in management. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide gender gap and a lack of racial diversity among the PPDs. The biggest challenge faced by them is the amount of workload followed by budget and fiscal constraints. And for their improved efficiency, they gave emphasis on learning time management and continuous clinical training of newer advances.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Status of Advanced Dental Education in Prosthodontics from 2006 to 2016.

The aim of this study was to analyze information about advanced education programs in prosthodontics (AEPPs) collected in American Dental Association (ADA) surveys on advanced dental education from 2006-07 to 2016-17. Data recorded included number of AEPPs and information on program directors, applicants, and enrollees in AEPPs. The results showed that, from 2006 to 2016, there was an increase in the number of AEPPs and enrollment of prosthodontic residents, and the number of applicants per program more than doubled. Despite these increases, steps are needed to increase the number of underrepresented minority residents in prosthodontics. Also, a periodic survey of prosthodontic residents to identify their goals, experiences during training, and career plans could benefit the specialty by providing more insight into the future prosthodontic workforce.