Profile of prosthodontics program directors in North America.

Abstract

To develop a current profile of prosthodontics program directors 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 to better support them in their roles. A survey was sent to 51 participants who were identified as prosthodontics program directors in North America via Qualtrics in 2019 to assess the professional needs of program directors 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, and 6) their needs for support from the American College of Prosthodontists and advice for the future program director. 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 to 3 years were observed with approximately 29% each, and program directors who worked less than a year occupied the least amount. 34% of program directors 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%) program directors 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. There is a wide gender gap and a lack of racial diversity among the prosthodontics program directors. 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.