Demographics, Training Satisfaction, and Career Plans of Canadian Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, training satisfaction, and career plans of Canadian oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online survey that was distributed via e-mail to all current Canadian OMS residents. The completion rate of this survey was 88.9%. Eighty percent of residents were satisfied with their surgical education overall. Residents were most satisfied with their training in the areas of facial trauma and orthognathic surgery. Satisfaction was lowest in the areas of facial cosmetic surgery, maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, cleft and craniofacial surgery, and dental implantology. A majority of residents, 78.1%, indicated that they would prefer to be trained in an MD-integrated OMS certificate program. Seventy-two percent of residents indicated that they would like to complete a fellowship following graduation. The most desirable career path was a combination of private practice and academic practice, with 75.0% of residents selecting this option. Overall, Canadian OMS residents were pleased with their training in the traditional scope of OMS, apart from dental implantology. Among the current generation of trainees, there appears to be a proclivity for a broader scope of practice, dual-degree training, and post-graduate fellowship training.