TRENDS IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGY CAREERS: A SURVEY

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe importance of dental imaging in oral diagnosis is reflected by its high-use frequency as an adjunct tool for diagnosis and treatment planning.OBJECTIVE(S)This research aimed to understand the professional aspirations of oral and maxillofacial radiologists (OMRs) by exploring their choices between private practice or academic careers and by associating their career choices with their educational background, engagement in professional activities, professional values, and overall level of career satisfaction.STUDY DESIGNThis prospective cross-sectional study invited board-certified OMRs in North America to participate in a survey. The survey consisted of 37 multiple-choice and 1 open-ended question focusing on the beliefs of OMRs about the future of the profession. The quantitative data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and chi-square testing and the open-ended question qualitatively explored by a thematic approach.RESULTSSixty-eight respondents practiced in the United States, 10 in Canada, and 8 in both countries. Activities that were considered rewarding included teaching and mentoring (65%) and radiologic reporting (55%). The majority of respondents spent approximately 20 to 30 h/wk writing radiographic reports and less than 10 hours in research. In average, the OMR produced 21.9 (standard deviation, 12.8) reports per day. Activities considered less rewarding included administrative work (11%) and productivity pressure in institutions, mentioned in the open-ended question. OMRs working in academia reported higher incomes (P < .50). OMRs were pleased with their career choices (79%). When OMRs from academia and private practice were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in the private practice for the statement “I appear more satisfied with my job than I really am” (P = .35). A trend toward academia and willingness to have a multiprofessional practice was identified.DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONSContemporary OMR satisfaction was associated with teaching/mentoring. The challenge of the future is participation in multidisciplinary teams. Overall, diverse career choices lead OMRs to be proud and significantly satisfied. The importance of dental imaging in oral diagnosis is reflected by its high-use frequency as an adjunct tool for diagnosis and treatment planning. This research aimed to understand the professional aspirations of oral and maxillofacial radiologists (OMRs) by exploring their choices between private practice or academic careers and by associating their career choices with their educational background, engagement in professional activities, professional values, and overall level of career satisfaction. This prospective cross-sectional study invited board-certified OMRs in North America to participate in a survey. The survey consisted of 37 multiple-choice and 1 open-ended question focusing on the beliefs of OMRs about the future of the profession. The quantitative data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and chi-square testing and the open-ended question qualitatively explored by a thematic approach. Sixty-eight respondents practiced in the United States, 10 in Canada, and 8 in both countries. Activities that were considered rewarding included teaching and mentoring (65%) and radiologic reporting (55%). The majority of respondents spent approximately 20 to 30 h/wk writing radiographic reports and less than 10 hours in research. In average, the OMR produced 21.9 (standard deviation, 12.8) reports per day. Activities considered less rewarding included administrative work (11%) and productivity pressure in institutions, mentioned in the open-ended question. OMRs working in academia reported higher incomes (P < .50). OMRs were pleased with their career choices (79%). When OMRs from academia and private practice were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in the private practice for the statement “I appear more satisfied with my job than I really am” (P = .35). A trend toward academia and willingness to have a multiprofessional practice was identified. Contemporary OMR satisfaction was associated with teaching/mentoring. The challenge of the future is participation in multidisciplinary teams. Overall, diverse career choices lead OMRs to be proud and significantly satisfied.