Background, training experiences, and career plans of U.S. periodontal residents: report of a web-based survey.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to survey the backgrounds and perspectives of U.S. periodontal residents in 2012. A 64-item web-based survey was distributed to all periodontal residents in the United States (544 residents enrolled in 54 graduate programs) via email in March 2012. Data on the residents' demographics, experiences during graduate periodontal training, and goals were collected and analyzed, and percentages were calculated. The survey had a 19.1% response rate. Most of the respondents (74%) had graduated from international dental schools, and 81.7% were in combined programs (clinical training combined with a Master's degree, PhD, or other doctoral degree). Almost one-fourth of the responding residents (24%) reported a total debt of more than $300,000 after graduation. More than 60% of the respondents planned to practice in a private setting as an associate, partner, or solo practice owner. The responding residents reported having chosen their graduate programs based mainly on the programs' clinical education and reputation (72% and 48%, respectively). Future studies will determine educational trends and outcomes for periodontal residents in the longer term.

Private practice of prosthodontists in the United States: results from the 2008 & 2011 surveys of prosthodontists.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to review data and results from past surveys of prosthodontists sponsored and conducted by the American College of Prosthodontists. Surveys were conducted in 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011. Selected survey results are examined for prosthodontists in private practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results from past surveys of prosthodontists were statistically examined and used to estimate several characteristics of the current population of practicing prosthodontists. The selected characteristics included age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (e.g., gross receipts, expenses in the practice, and net income of prosthodontists). While the most recent survey was conducted in 2011, the results reported by respondents are for the previous year, 2010. RESULTS: The average age of a private practicing prosthodontist in 2010 reached 53 years; 26 years since graduation from dental school and 20 years since completion of residency; an average of 13 years in their current practice. Sixty percent were in solo practice. The mean number of hours per week in the practice was 35 hours, and practicing prosthodontists treated an average of 35 patient visits per week. The patient was the single largest source of referrals, while general practitioners were a close second. The largest percentage of time spent treating patients was for fixed prosthodontics (21%), which declined from a mean of 24.1% in 2007. The mean amount of gross billings in 2010 was $721,970, which was a decline from 2007. Average total practice expenses were $538,230, and the mean net earnings of prosthodontists in private practice were $238,010. CONCLUSION: Changes have occurred since the last survey of prosthodontists in 2008 (with results for the year 2007). The prosthodontist private practice industry, not unlike dentistry as a whole, has undergone economic challenges that have affected the private practice of prosthodontists.

Variations in self-reported provision of services by general dentists in private practice.

BACKGROUND: Variations in dentists' provision of services have been documented, but information about contributing factors is limited. METHODS: The authors used responses to a 2003 survey of general dentists in private practice in California (46 percent response rate; 3,098 dentists included in the final sample) to assess variations in service provision and its correlates. They used logistic regressions to assess the correlation of various characteristics with the self-reported percentage of time spent providing services. RESULTS: The results show variations in services provided by general dentists in private practice. Multiple factors, including the dentist's sex, region of practice, employment of hygienists, patients' race and population income in the area of practice were significantly and independently associated with provision of services. CONCLUSIONS: The survey results reflect practice variations that existed before the latest economic downturn, which resulted in a loss of jobs and medical and dental insurance. The data serve as the baseline for future studies of changes in dental practice and for assessing the impact of the 2010 health care reform legislation on dental practice. Practice Implications. Improvements in oral health care, the recent economic decline and health care reform may lead to changes in dental practice and in the dental workforce.

Mapping dental establishments in New York State just before the recession.

Census Bureau data indicate a continuing increase in the number and size of dental establishments in the period just prior the recent recession. During this same period, the combination of a relatively limited increase of the population in New York State and increasing numbers of dentists and dental establishments resulted in decreases in population ratios, particularly in New York City. The usual favorable expectations of an economic upswing after a recession for dental establishments may need to be tempered given these developments.

Private practice of prosthodontists: current conditions of practice in the United States.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to examine data and results from the 2008 Survey of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to examine current trends and characteristics of prosthodontists in private practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Characteristics of prosthodontists and conditions of private practice are based on surveys conducted in 2002, 2005, and 2008 sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to estimate several characteristics including age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (gross receipts, expenses of the practice, and net income of prosthodontists). RESULTS: The average age of a private-practicing prosthodontist reached 51 years in 2007; 12.3 is the number of years in the current practice; and most prosthodontists (71%) are solo private practitioners. The average amount of time per week by prosthodontists in the practice averaged 36.1 hours, and prosthodontists treated an average of 44.1 patient visits per week. The largest source of patient referrals is the patient themselves. The largest percentage of a prosthodontist's treatment time is spent rendering procedures in fixed prosthodontics, but this percentage has declined since 2001. In 2007, the average gross billings of a practicing prosthodontist reached $805,675; average total practice expenses were $518,255; the mean net earnings of practitioners were $268,930. CONCLUSION: In 2007, prosthodontists in private practice paid out about $1.4 billion in practice expenses to provide $2.2 billion dollars in prosthodontic care. Based on survey results from 2007 and the previous 6 years, specialization in prosthodontic care continues to be an economically attractive and productive healthcare profession in the United States.

A survey on orthodontic retention procedures in The Netherlands.

The objective of this study was to survey retention procedures used in orthodontic practices in The Netherlands. A questionnaire was sent to all 279 orthodontists working in The Netherlands. The questionnaire consisted of six parts, mainly containing multiple-choice questions. Information as to background data on the individual orthodontist, retention in general, frequency of different types of removable or bonded retainers that were used, retention protocol, and the type and size of the wire used for bonded retainers was assessed. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 12.0.1. Tests for the relationship between two items were based on the chi-square test. The overall response rate was 91 per cent. Most orthodontists placed a bonded retainer in the upper and lower arch, except when the upper arch was expanded during treatment or when extractions were performed in the upper arch, in which case they placed a removable retainer. Opinions varied with regard to how many hours the removable retainers should be worn and the duration of the retention phase. Contraindications for bonded retainers were given by 96 per cent of the orthodontists, with poor oral hygiene being the most commonly mentioned. As far as bonded retainers were concerned, 84 per cent of the orthodontists preferred permanent retention. Fifty-nine per cent of the orthodontists believed that a practice guideline for retention after orthodontic treatment needs to be developed, which was confirmed by the varied responses in this survey.

Gender differences in dentists' working practices and job satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the working practices and level of job satisfaction of male and female dentists. METHODS: A nationwide postal survey of all dentists holding an annual practising certificate in New Zealand (response rate 78.1%). RESULTS: The mean number of hours worked per week was 29.1 for female and 36.0 for male dentists. The main reason for part-time practice given by women was caring for children (cited by 67.2%) and for men was personal choice (cited by 63.6%). A greater proportion of females than males were employed on a salary or as an associate in practice rather than owning their own practice. Male dentists were more active in continuing education than females. The mean career satisfaction score for male respondents was 7.6 and for females 7.1 (P<0.001). Relatively more women than men had taken a career break, usually for child rearing. Two-thirds of women and one-third of men planned to retire from dentistry before 60 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Male and female dentists differ in their working patterns and career satisfaction. There is a need for ongoing monitoring of the workforce, particularly as the gender distribution (and societal trends and expectations) continues to change.

Orthodontic practices in Australasia: practice activity.

OBJECTIVE: To collect baseline data on practice types and services provided by orthodontists in Australia and New Zealand. METHOD: A total of 510 questionnaires was sent and 258 were returned. The response rate was 53 per cent. RESULTS: The average age of respondents was 50 years (SD: 9.8 years) with female orthodontists being younger (Mean: 42.3 years; SD: 6.5). The ratio of responding female to male orthodontists was 1:8.8. Overall, more orthodontists were in solo private practice than associateships or partnerships. New Zealand orthodontists were more likely to be in associateships. Australian orthodontists had twice the number of practices (Mean: 2.4; SD: 1.4) than their New Zealand counterparts (Mean: 1.1; SD: 0.3). Orthodontists estimated they saw a mean of 21.3 (SD: 11.3) patients per day. Older orthodontists saw few patients in a day and spent fewer hours in any practice activity in a week. The mean waiting time for a consultation appointment in the private sector in New Zealand was nearly twice that in Australia. There was a significant association between male orthodontists and referral of patients by general dental practitioners. More than three quarters of respondents incorporated retention fees into the treatment fee. Overall, orthodontists were satisfied with the workload and did not want more orthodontists in their geographical area. CONCLUSION: This study provides a sound basis for consideration of challenges in practice and changes over time.

Career preferences of pediatric dentistry advanced education students.

A questionnaire addressing career preferences of pediatric dentistry advanced education students was mailed to 52 training programs. Two hundred and thirty-two completed surveys from 45 responding programs were returned. Men were in combined specialty programs significantly more than women (P < 0.05, chi-square) and U.S. citizen students were significantly older than non-citizens (P < 0.05, t-test). The collected data reflected differences in career preferences between men and women, and citizens and noncitizens. Women reported a significant preference for private practice, part-time associate and public health practice than did men. Although not significant, men declared equal preference for full-time private practice either solo or as an associate. Noncitizens were found to have a significant preference when compared to citizens for academic full- and part-time, hospital/institutional full- and part-time, research, full- and part-time positions, and for additional training.