The current status of orthodontic education in U.S. pediatric dental residencies.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to survey the current status of orthodontic education at pediatric dental residencies in the United States. A similar survey was conducted >10 years ago. With changing healthcare politics, social demands, and technology, it is important to have current information about dental education. METHODS: A 23-item anonymous survey was sent to individual pediatric dental residency program directors via Qualtrics email software. The survey was sent a total of 4 times over an 8-week period. If the surveys were not completed in a predetermined amount of time, they were resent to those who had not yet completed them. RESULTS: There were 34 responders for a 24% response rate. Of the respondents, 73% reported teaching biomechanics of tooth movement, and 45% reported teaching 2 × 4 mechanics to "marginally acceptable" level. Early (91%) to late mixed dentition (77%) is the most commonly treated orthodontic case. While most programs do not require a minimum number of orthodontic cases for graduation (85%), residents' understanding of growth and development is mostly (71%) evaluated through the results of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Qualifying Examination. CONCLUSION: This study summarizes the current climate of the orthodontic education component in U.S. pediatric dental residencies.

U.S. Dental Schools' Preparation for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.

An Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) combining basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences will be implemented in 2020 to replace the current two-part National Board Dental Examination required for all candidates who seek to practice dentistry in the U.S. The aims of this study were to determine how U.S. dental schools are preparing for implementation of the INBDE and to assess their top administrators' attitudes about the new exam. A total of 150 deans, academic deans, and other administrators at all 64 U.S. dental schools with graduating classes in 2016 were emailed a 19-question electronic survey. The survey questions addressed the respondents' level of support, perceived benefits and challenges, and planned preparation strategies for the INBDE. The individual response rate was 59%, representing 57 of the 64 schools. Approximately 60% of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that they support the integrated exam, while roughly 25% either somewhat or strongly disagreed. While most respondents (72%) reported that their institutions would be prepared for the INBDE, 74% reported that the merged exam created additional strain for their institutions. Respondents reported viewing content integration and clinical applicability as benefits of the INBDE, while required curriculum changes and student preparedness and stress were seen as challenges. Most of the respondents reported their schools were currently employing strategies to prepare for the INBDE including meetings with faculty and students and changes to curricula and course content. The beginning of the fourth year and the end of the third year were the most frequently reported times when schools planned to require students to take the INBDE, although almost half of the respondents did not yet know what it would be required at their school. Several schools were reconsidering using the boards as a passing requirement. This study found that support for the INBDE was not universal, but strategies are under way to prepare students, faculty, and curricula for this new means of assessment.

Access to dental care for people with bleeding disorders: survey results of hemophilia treatment centers in the U.S.

AIM: The goal of this project was to gather data and identify factors affecting access to dental care for people with bleeding disorders in the U.S. METHODS: The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and the National Hemophilia Foundation conducted a joint survey. The survey was completed by 102 of the 147 hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) in the U.S. This represents 69% of the HTCs in the country. Each HTC provided specific information concerning the dental services and education provided for patients. RESULTS: Survey results revealed inconsistent levels of oral health services available to patients. Major factors limiting access to care include finances, patient anxiety with respect to dental treatment and a lack of providers with the skills to treat this population. CONCLUSION: Improvement in oral health for persons with bleeding disorders requires appropriate education for providers, patients and families. Additionally, both public and private health funding must be re-evaluated as it relates to people with bleeding disorders.