American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry survey of US pediatric dentistry faculty members.
OBJECTIVE
This survey's purpose was to: (1) assess the status of the pediatric dentistry academic workforce; (2) determine if the current workforce is sufficient for pediatric and general dentistry education requirements; (3) address other workforce issues; and (4) explore factors influencing this faculty shortage, thereby narrowing the focus of other surveys.


METHODS
In 2004, 130 pediatric dentistry faculty members completed a Web-based survey regarding workforce issues. Questions were asked regarding: (1) faculty characteristics; (2) job history prior to academics; (3) academic career longevity/motivators for change; and (4) private practice participation.


RESULTS
Twenty-four percent indicated academic involvement for over 25 years, followed by 20% indicating 1- to 4-year involvement. Eighty-two percent of chairpersons had educators leave within the last 5 years, with 38% of positions remaining unfilled. Motivators for leaving included location (25%), family (19%), and faculty (12%). Twenty-three percent identified salary as an influential factor when considering an institution change, and 74% felt clinical tracks would aid in recruiting/retaining faculty. The majority of full-time faculty members maintained a part-time practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Survey results indicate that pediatric dentistry mirrors the national dental faculty member shortage. Most troubling is the loss of educators after 5 and 10 years of teaching, perhaps due to salary disparities with private practice, tenure requirements, and family.
Wood
Jeffrey
J
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, Calif., USA. jwood@pacific.edu
Barbieri
Damon M
DM
Rutkauskas
John S
JS
Seewoester
Sarah
S
D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D005179:Faculty, Dental / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009042:Motivation; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011331:Private Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D012953:Societies, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce