Female Orthodontists Research Articles

Soft skills in Orthodontics: an analysis in residents and experienced professionals.

Soft skills represent a range of personal skills, attitudes and characteristics relevant to success and adequate work performance. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and usage of soft skills in Orthodontics. The participants answered a questionnaire containing 27 objective questions on awareness and frequency of soft skills in their professional activities. Participants were also asked to rank the soft skills in a crescent order of importance. The sample was divided into subgroups: A) residents in Orthodontics; B) orthodontists with less than 5 years of experience and C) orthodontists with more than 5 years of experience. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Sexual differences were compared using Mann-Whitney test (p< 0.05). The sample of this observational study comprised 129 experienced orthodontists and residents in Orthodontics (92 women, 37 men) with mean age of 35.3 years. From the total sample, 54,6% of respondents reported no previous instructions on soft skills. All respondents reported using the analyzed soft skills with a similar frequency (median 4-5). Residents reported accessing reliable sources in bibliographic research less frequently (46%). Female orthodontists reported to seek help from teachers and other professionals more often than males. Ethics and communication were frequently ranked as the most important soft skills. Information management and leadership were frequently less ranked as important soft skills. Poor knowledge of soft skills was demonstrated by residents and orthodontists. Communication skill was highly used and frequently ranked as the most important soft skill.

Generational perspectives of orthodontists in the U.S. and Canada: A survey study

The objectives of this study were to identify differences between generations of orthodontists in the United States and to evaluate the perspective of each generation on widely debated topics in orthodontics. A 22-item Institutional Review Board-approved survey was randomly distributed to orthodontists in the United States and Canada. Participants were asked questions about the use of technology, the future of clear aligner therapy, orthodontic education, student debt, marketing, and corporate orthodontics, among other topics. Significant increase in female orthodontists over generations and a decrease in orthodontic educators were found (P<0.001). Among generations, differences were found regarding the amount of student debt, use of specific diagnostic tools, marketing preferences, and their opinion on the future of clear aligner therapy. Most of the silent generation did not have student debt, whereas millennials reported paying off their debt in 1 year to>20 years and being most heavily burdened by student debt. Younger generations appeared more likely to use cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral imaging, whereas older generations preferred traditional diagnostic tools such as hand-wrist radiographs and alginate impressions. Most of the silent generation indicated not marketing their practices, whereas millennials rely heavily on social media and e-mails for marketing. Clear distinctions exist between different generations of orthodontists. Issues such as increasing student debt load and a decrease in orthodontic educators over generations should be addressed to preserve the future of the orthodontic specialty.

War and Post-War Zones: A Deficit of Staff Members in the Private Practices

The war on European continent continues… 57 days of Russian invasion with tanks, fighters, combat helicopters, warships, missiles attacks but also a heroic defense of Ukrainian army and nation completely changed the work of many private practices in Ukraine. Deficit of staff members in a war and post-war regions has been developed due to the two main reasons (1) temporary/permanent change of residence of clinic staff from the eastern, southern and northern regions of Ukraine to the central and western regions and (2) departure/evacuation abroad for temporary/permanent residence. More than 5 million people have left Ukraine for almost two months of Russian full-scale invasion. The majority (90 percent) of those people are women and children; among them a significant number of dentists, nurses, and clinic administrators can be noted. Female orthodontists (i.e., doctor-stomatologist-orthodontists), pediatric dentists (i.e., pediatric doctor-stomatologists), oral surgeons (i.e., doctor-stomatologist-surgeons), interns, students of dental faculties are those health workers who have been evacuated from Kyiv during the last two months according to our data. Also, among the evacuated persons of Kyiv`s clinics are nursemaids, nurses, and administrators. We can state with assurance that gender will be used as a basic guideline for the present and future hiring for the clinic in the war zones (e.g., Kyiv city and region, Chernihiv region, Sumy region, Zhytomyr region, etc.)5. This is evidenced by the fact that male employees of the military age (18-60-year-old men) are the subject to a possible mobilization in the army and do not have the opportunity to leave the country during the acting martial law.

Orthodontists' perceptions of and adaptations to nonspecialist and direct-to-consumer orthodontic service providers.

To evaluate orthodontists' perceived impacts on their practices as a result of general practitioners (GPs) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontic care providers and the adaptational changes implemented in the past 10 years. An electronic survey was administered to 270 orthodontists in Canada and the United States to determine demographic background, perception of perceived impact, and specific changes implemented to improve practice competitiveness. More experienced orthodontists (P = .0001) and males (P = .027) were more likely to indicate a perceived impact from GP orthodontics. American orthodontists were significantly more likely than Canadian orthodontists to perceive an impact from DTC providers (P = .017). There was a positive association with orthodontists' years of experience and having implemented adaptational changes to their practice for a period greater than 10 years across multiple categories. Female orthodontists were more likely to have implemented adaptational changes for a period of less than 10 years across multiple categories. The perceived impact of GPs providing orthodontic care was greater than that of DTC providers. American orthodontists were significantly more likely to perceive an impact from DTC providers. Orthodontists have experienced a reduction in referrals from GPs and an increase in referred case difficulty. Less experienced and female orthodontists have made the most adaptive changes to their practices in the past 10 years.

Knowledge and Practice of Orthodontists Regarding Prevention and Treatment of White Spot Lesions during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Course in Kurdistan Region-Iraq: A Cross Sectional Study

Objective: White spot lesions (WSL) are considered the most frequent complication during fixed orthodontic treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and practice levels of orthodontic professionals regarding the prevention and treatment of WSL in the Kurdistan region-Iraq. &#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a validated self–administered questionnaire among orthodontic professionals and dentists practicing orthodontics. The questionnaire included ten questions about the knowledge and nine for the practice with regard to the prevention and treatment of WSL. Data were analyzed by descriptive tests, Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann Whitney test. &#x0D; Results: Sixty orthodontists and dentists practicing orthodontics participated in the study. Most participants (78.3%) had intermediate knowledge, and 66.7% recorded high practice scores. The knowledge and practice scores in female orthodontists and participants with postgraduate orthodontics degrees were significantly higher than in male orthodontists and those without a postgraduate degree (P = 0.0001). &#x0D; Conclusions: Participants exhibited good knowledge and experience and good practice in the prevention and treatment of WSL. It is recommended to have special practice guidelines for the prevention of WSL.

2020 survey of Australian orthodontists’ procedures

Abstract Aim This second survey of Australian Society of Orthodontists members was conducted to assess their treatment preferences and compare with the results of the 2013 survey. Methods Invitations to participate in an online survey were sent to a total of 481 members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) and 142 replies were received (29.5% response). Results There is an average of one ASO member orthodontist per approximately 48,653 people in Australia. The average age of orthodontists is decreasing (median age = 49) but there is an increasing proportion of female orthodontists (25% up from 16%). Although practitioners preferred to wait and treat later for Class II cases, the Twin Block remained the most popular appliance for early intervention. TAD supported distalisers showed the biggest increase in popularity of Class II correction appliances although TAD use in general had declined slightly. The median extraction rate decreased from 23% in 2013 to 20% in this survey. Clear aligners were being used in a median 10% of cases (range 0% – 97%) with 18% of respondents producing in-house fabricated aligners. The most common clinical research question ASO members would like examined related to clear aligners. Conclusion Orthodontics in Australia has evolved since 2013 with an increase in the use of clear aligners and associated technology.

Demographics of Postgraduate Training Course at Tokyo Dental College Department of Orthodontics and Alumni Working Trends.

The postgraduate training course at the Department of Orthodontics of Tokyo Dental College, which started in April 1975, comprises a 3-year curriculum aimed at fostering orthodontic specialists. A system of Accreditation for Orthodontists was introduced by the Japan Orthodontic Society in 1990, since which time, this postgraduate training course has also sought to provide the basic training required to obtain such certification. The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographics of the students on this course and the current work status of its graduates by means of a questionnaire-based survey. The results revealed that, when the fortieth intake of students graduated in March 2017, the total number completing the course had reached 326. The annual mean number of students on this course was 8.2, and recent years have seen a marked increase in the number of women enrolling. In total, 37.5% of the questionnaire respondents had opened orthodontic clinics; 14.8% had opened general dentistry clinics; and 42.6% were working as employees. In addition, 46.2% had an additional place of employment other than their principal place of employment, mainly at a general dentistry clinic. Regarding the field of treatment, 82.4% provided solely orthodontic treatment. We believe that this may because all the responders had completed the postgraduate orthodontics course. The rate of earning accreditation as an orthodontist was high (82.4%), with no difference in the rate of acquisition between men and women. The rate of qualification as a Board-certified orthodontist was 17.9%, with the rate of acquisition by women approximately half of that by men. The number of female orthodontists is rising, and no difference was observed between sexes in the rate of acquiring accreditation as an orthodontist. Women were found to be lagging behind men, however, in regard to the rate of advancement to masters/PHD programs; qualifying as a Board-certified orthodontist; opening an orthodontic practice; and number of days worked. These findings suggest that there are differences in regard to the actual working conditions among the alumni of our postgraduate orthodontic training course, and that these differences are sex-based.

Patients' preferences regarding age, sex, and attire of orthodontists.

We investigated whether patients in different age groups are influenced by the age, sex, and attire of an orthodontist. The opinions of 360 patients regarding 4 orthodontists and 3 types of attire (from photos) were investigated using a questionnaire. Patients were classified as children (8-11years; n=120; group 1), adolescents (12-17years; n=120; group 2), and young adults (18-25years; n=120; group 3). The chi-square test was used to evaluate age- and sex-based preferences for orthodontists and attire types, and a statistical test of proportion (significance level, 5%) was used for multiple comparisons. Young female orthodontists were preferred (41.1%). A white coat was the preferred attire (48.1%), followed by social clothing (31.7%) and a thematic pediatric coat (19.7%). Groups 1 and 2 preferred a young female orthodontist, whereas group 3 had no apparent age and sex preferences. Regarding attire, group 1 preferred social clothing, whereas groups 2 and 3 preferred a white coat. Patients of all ages consider appearance to be an important factor when choosing an orthodontist. The participants largely preferred younger professionals who dressed in white coats, because this type of attire was considered clean and hygienic.

Survey on Retention Protocols Among Turkish Orthodontists.

The purpose of this study was to identify general retention protocols practiced by Turkish orthodontist and to compare the results obtained with those of similar studies in Western countries. The Web-based survey consisted of 29 questions: 3 to identify the demographic characteristics of the participants and 26 to examine how orthodontists manage the retention phase. Data was interpreted by descriptive statistical methods such as the median test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression analysis. The survey return rate was 73.8%. Pretreatment malocclusion status (87%), oral hygiene status (78%), and presence of third molars (63%) were reported to be the most important factors in determining the type of retainer. Bonded retainers, either alone (29% in maxilla and 34% in mandible) or supplemented with vacuum-formed retainers (27% in maxilla and 32% in mandible) were the most commonly used type of retainer. The preference for lifelong retention varied from 7% to 19%. Female orthodontists scheduled the first appointment after debonding sooner than male orthodontists (p<0.05). Orthodontists working in universities scheduled first appointments later than orthodontists working in private practices (p<0.05). Turkish orthodontists still give importance to the third molars in their retention protocols, contrary to what is suggested in the current literature, and lifetime retention is rarely preferred as compared to other countries.

A qualitative study of work-life balance amongst specialist orthodontists in the United Kingdom.

To identify factors affecting work-life balance amongst male and female orthodontists in the UK. A qualitative interview-based study with a cross-sectional design. Specialist orthodontists working in specialist practice and the hospital service in the UK were selected by purposive sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 orthodontic specialists. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Framework Analysis. Four main themes pertaining to work-life balance in orthodontics were identified: work factors affecting work-life balance, life factors affecting work-life balance, perception and effects of work-life balance and suggestions for managing work-life balance within the profession. There was substantial variation in the work-life balance of the orthodontists interviewed in this study; however the majority reported high levels of career satisfaction despite difficulties maintaining a good work-life balance. Whilst there were some clear distinctions in the factors affecting work-life balance between the hospital environment and specialist practice (including additional professional commitments and teaching/training-related issues), there were also a number of similarities. These included, the lack of flexibility in the working day, managing patient expectations, taking time off work at short notice and the ability to work part-time.

WORK PATTERN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE ORTHODONTISTS IN CANADA.

To examine sex-specific differences in the demographics and work patterns of Canadian orthodontists. Questionnaires were mailed and emailed to a random sample of 384 orthodontists: 289 men and 95 women. Questions regarding work patterns and personal demographics were created and results were compared by sex. The response rate was 53.9%. The demographics and work patterns for male and female orthodontists were similar for most variables. Women were found to be 6 years younger; have 6 fewer years of work experience; expect to retire earlier; be more often married to a professional in full-time employment; and be more likely to take a leave of absence during their career than their male colleagues. Age significantly affected the number of hours worked per week and number of phase II starts per year; both variables increased with increasing age until approximately 50 years, after which they decreased with age. Having children did not significantly affect any of the analyzed variables. As the practice of female orthodontists was not found to be substantially different from that of men, it is not possible to speculate whether the increasing number of women specializing in orthodontics will provoke a significant change in the profession. As this is the first survey of its kind in Canada, these results may be used as a reference for future comparisons to determine work patterns and trends in the orthodontic workforce.

Patient preference for the dress code of male and female orthodontists

A questionnaire was used to determine child orthodontic patient preferences for the dress code of their orthodontist. Participants were asked the importance of how their orthodontist dressed and to select the most appropriate dress code from a range of outfits. Two hundred participants completed the questionnaire (age range 10–17 years). Almost two-thirds of respondents (64.5%) placed some importance on the dress code of their orthodontist. Clinical Relevance: To determine the preference of child orthodontic patients on the dress code of their orthodontist.

Professional Women Orthodontists: A Reality Profiling

Introduction: Practitioners in the field of dental sciences are still overwhelmingly male. The limited amount of available data compounds the difficulty of assessing the impact of the ongoing sex shift in orthodontics. Women are redefining dental practice options to better integrate a professional career with parenting responsibilities. Nevertheless, the relationships among family roles, professional work ethic, and productivity have not been well-studied. Aim and objectives: This study was aimed to identify the current perspectives of the urban Indian professional women ortho dontists toward the speciality, their practice patterns and its determinants, disadvantages of this career and difficulties encountered during training period, and thereafter. Materials and methods: Questionnaires were prepared for group of respondents, that is, the practitioners. Responses were collected using Monkey 7, (Austin, TX) on a secure web site. Groups were analyzed using SPSS software (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) version 14 provided by IBM Corporation. Conclusion: It was concluded that there are around 139 female orthodontists practicing in the metropolis. A total of 40% of the practicing orthodontists, out of 86 who returned their surveys, worked 6 days a week and 20% worked 5 days and 4 days each. The most important determinant to opt for orthodontics was financial security 42%, followed by challenging speciality 36%, prestige and lifestyle 10%, family member in the same speciality 6%, did not like general dentistry 4%, and others 2%.

Retention: Type, duration and need for common guidelines. A survey of Norwegian orthodontists

To survey retention protocols and need for practical retention guidelines among orthodontists in Norway and to compare the results with similar studies in other countries. A questionnaire was mailed to all members of the Norwegian Association of Orthodontists. It included questions about their background and their current retention protocol, as well as their perceived need for common retention guidelines. The response rate was 77.7% (69.3% males and 30.7% females). The most common maxillary retainer was a combination of a fixed and removable retainer, followed by a clear thermoplastic retainer. In the mandible, a fixed retainer bonded to all anterior teeth was most common (66.4%). Retention in the maxilla lasted 2 to 3 years (34.7%) or 3 to 5 years (23.8%). In the mandible, 41.5% of the orthodontists left the retainer in place for >5 years. When retention lasted more than 3 years, 70% of the orthodontists left the responsibility for retainer checkups to the patients or the general practitioners. The main reason for choosing a certain retention protocol was clinical experience (57.4%). Only 3.5% of the orthodontists based their protocols on information from the literature. Half?of the orthodontists, significantly women, expressed a need for common retention guidelines. In Norway, bonded retainers alone were reported to be most commonly used in the mandible, while bonded retainers used in combination with a removable retainer appear to be the most commonly used appliances in the maxilla. This is similar to the most frequently used retainers in other countries, but there are disparities in duration and follow-up protocols. Most female orthodontists desire common retention guidelines.

Women in orthodontics and work-family balance: challenges and strategies.

The number of women entering the orthodontic profession over the past few decades has increased dramatically. A review of the literature revealed the lack of research on achieving a work-family balance among female dentists and dental specialists. Work-family balance has been researched more extensively in the field of medicine; however, despite some critical differences, parallels between these 2 professions exist. This study identified issues that Canadian female orthodontists face and strategies they use to achieve a work-family balance. A phenomenological qualitative study was used to analyze the results of semi-structured telephone interviews of a purposive sample of 13 Canadian female orthodontists. The results strongly support the role-conflict theory about the competing pressures of maternal and professional roles. Female orthodontists described their challenges and strategies to minimize role conflict in their attempt to achieve a work-family balance. The women defined balance as having success and satisfaction in both their family life and professional life. They identified specific challenges of achieving a work-family balance that are unique to orthodontic practice and strategies for adapting to their maternal and professional roles. Achieving a work-family balance is of paramount importance to female orthodontists, and the results of this study may be applied to other specialties in dentistry.

Effect of the gingival display on posed smile with different facial forms: A comparison of dentists and patients concepts

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the importance of amount of gingival display on smile esthetics and facial attractiveness in males and females with different facial forms by orthodontists as well as lay person. Frontal photographs of 18 male and female patients (9 male and 9 female) each, at a posed smile, seeking treatment in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics were obtained. The photographs were divided in 3 groups based on their facial forms (Short face, Average face and Long face) and were altered by moving the dentition within the lip frame of the captured photograph to bring about different gingival display at smile. The pictures were divided into six groups with gingival exposures of 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm. The pictures were rated for attractiveness by four sets of evaluators - male and female Orthodontists and male and female lay evaluators. The statistical analysis methods used for the study included Mean score calculation, standard deviation and Analysis of variance: [test (Mono- Variance)]. The Student t test (two tailed, independent) has been used to find the significance of rating scores between lay person and orthodontist, and also between males and females evaluators. No significant difference in ratings of gingival display in the 3 groups of photographs was noted by lay person and orthodontists. The results point to the fact that the influence of amount of gingival display on smile esthetics was independent of the facial form. It was also observed that gingival display of 0 mm to 2 mm was acceptable to both the lay person and the orthodontists. As the amount of gingival display increased, the ratings for facial attractiveness by both orthodontists and lay person decreased. Higher scores were given by both orthodontists and lay person for photographs which showed gingival display of 0-2 mm, suggesting this value to be most acceptable.

Influence of gender on office staff management in orthodontics

To examine the gender differences in managing practice and staff members in orthodontic practices. All orthodontists in Virginia and Maryland (n = 427) were surveyed and demographic information was collected. For the crude analyses of the data, a Fisher's exact test or chi(2) test was performed. For the adjusted analyses, genders were compared using a logistic regression or analysis of covariance. The covariates were adjusted for age, program length, years in practice, number of years since graduation, and practice state. The length of the residency program attended did not differ with gender. No gender differences in practice ownership or creating the practice were observed. There was a significant gender difference in implementation of performance reviews: female orthodontists were more likely to provide performance reviews and tended to accept more poor reviews before staff termination than male orthodontists. However, when provided, no gender difference was observed in the number of performance reviews. Gender has a significant impact on the implementation of performance reviews in practices. Practice ownership status was not influenced by providers' gender.

Results of a survey-based study to identify common retention practices in the United States

The purpose of this descriptive study was to use a carefully constructed, pilot-tested survey instrument to identify the most common orthodontic retainers and retention protocols prescribed in the United States as reported by active members of the American Association of Orthodontists. We randomly selected 2000 active members, stratified by region of practice, for the study. Information gathered included, but was not limited to, the types of retainers prescribed in the maxillary and mandibular arches, duration of full-time and part-time wear, use of fixed retainers, appliances fabricated in office vs commercial laboratories, the number of debonds per year, and retention appointment schedules. The survey consisted of 20 questions. Data were gathered on a categorical scale and analyzed. We received 658 responses (32.9%) during a 12-week period. Maxillary Hawley retainers (58.2%) and mandibular fixed lingual retainers (40.2%) were the most commonly used. Most orthodontists prescribed less than 9 months of full-time wear of removable retainers and thereafter advised part-time, but lifetime wear. Most orthodontists (75.9%) did not instruct patients to have the fixed lingual retainers removed at a specific time. More orthodontists who prescribed Hawley retainers recommended longer full-time wear compared with clear thermoplastic retainers. The timing of scheduled retention appointments varied among clinicians and depended on the number of years in practice, the volume of patients debonded, and the type of prescribed retainer. The only regional difference associated with retainer design was the Northeast region, where mandibular fixed lingual retainers were used less frequently. Female orthodontists did not use mandibular fixed lingual retainers as often as their male counterparts. Maxillary Hawley and mandibular fixed lingual retainers are most commonly used. This study is the first to describe retention protocols and the scheduling of retention appointments in the United States.

Factors which influence working patterns of orthodontists in the United Kingdom

To describe factors which influence the current working patterns of orthodontists in the United Kingdom. A cross-sectional postal questionnaire to orthodontic specialists in the United Kingdom. All those on the specialist list in orthodontics held by the General Dental Council in 2006-2007. The data gathered included demographic details (gender, ethnicity, age, professional status and number of children), calendar year of achieving professional qualifications and current working patterns, together with details of any career breaks taken and geographical location of work. The response rate was 81.5%. Male and female orthodontists were seen to have different working patterns. The difference was statistically significant with male orthodontists undertaking clinical work on average 1.5 sessions more per week than their female colleagues. The calendar year of completion of undergraduate studies and the number of children an orthodontist has can significantly affect the number of clinical sessions they work each week. In recent years it has been observed that there is greater ethnic diversity among the workforce but ethnic origin appeared to have a minimal effect on the number of clinical sessions worked each week. The amount and length of career breaks taken by female orthodontists was greater than their male colleagues. In addition, there continues to be an uneven distribution of orthodontists throughout the United Kingdom. Many factors influence the current working patterns of orthodontists in the United Kingdom. However, it may be the inequitable regional distribution of orthodontists throughout the United Kingdom which is of greatest significance to orthodontic workforce planning for the future.

Summary of: Factors which influence working patterns of orthodontists in the United Kingdom

Objective To describe factors which influence the current working patterns of orthodontists in the United Kingdom. Design and setting A cross-sectional postal questionnaire to orthodontic specialists in the United Kingdom. Subjects All those on the specialist list in orthodontics held by the General Dental Council in 2006-2007. Materials and methods The data gathered included demographic details (gender, ethnicity, age, professional status and number of children), calendar year of achieving professional qualifications and current working patterns, together with details of any career breaks taken and geographical location of work. Results The response rate was 81.5%. Male and female orthodontists were seen to have different working patterns. The difference was statistically significant with male orthodontists undertaking clinical work on average 1.5 sessions more per week than their female colleagues. The calendar year of completion of undergraduate studies and the number of children an orthodontist has can significantly affect the number of clinical sessions they work each week. In recent years it has been observed that there is greater ethnic diversity among the workforce but ethnic origin appeared to have a minimal effect on the number of clinical sessions worked each week. The amount and length of career breaks taken by female orthodontists was greater than their male colleagues. In addition, there continues to be an uneven distribution of orthodontists throughout the United Kingdom. Conclusion Many factors influence the current working patterns of orthodontists in the United Kingdom. However, it may be the inequitable regional distribution of orthodontists throughout the United Kingdom which is of greatest significance to orthodontic workforce planning for the future.