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The perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside orthodontic speciality training: a cross-sectional survey of British Orthodontic Society members

British Dental Journal (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction In the UK, orthodontic speciality training takes place over three years full-time. In addition to the clinical training, there is an expectation that trainees undertake a higher degree. Currently, there is little evidence regarding the impact of undertaking a higher degree on specialist orthodontists.

Aims Investigate UK orthodontists' perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside speciality training.

Materials and methods A cross-sectional research study involving the distribution of an anonymous, descriptive, online, questionnaire-based survey between May and June 2021 via the British Orthodontic Society. Data were obtained in relation to the impact of undertaking a higher degree on the completion of speciality training, research skills, delivery of patient care and career opportunities.

Results In total, 166 questionnaires were completed (approximately 13.3% response rate). Most respondents 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that undertaking a higher degree had improved their scientific (77.1%) and critical appraisal skills (80.7%), job prospects (60.2%) and career opportunities (63.9%). Most respondents felt the benefits of the higher degree outweighed the associated costs (65.1%) and was a worthwhile component of training (69.3%).

Conclusions Specialist orthodontists place a high value on undertaking a higher degree. The results of this questionnaire should be of importance to stakeholders involved in the development of the orthodontic curriculum.

Key points

  • Reports the findings of a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey on UK orthodontists' perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside orthodontic speciality training.

  • Highlights the value specialist orthodontists place on undertaking a higher degree as part of their speciality training.

  • The results of this survey will help to inform stakeholders involved in the planning of postgraduate orthodontic education on specialist orthodontists' opinions on undertaking a higher degree alongside speciality training.

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Acknowledgements

The author(s) would like to thank Chris Mills, at the University of Bristol, for his assistance with designing the questionnaire for online distribution and Ann Wright, at the British Orthodontic Society, for her help with distributing the online survey.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Speciality Registrar in Orthodontics, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK

    Jenifer L. Jopson

  2. Academic Clinical Lecturer and Speciality Registrar in Orthodontics, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK

    Jennifer A. Haworth

  3. Consultant Orthodontist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK

    Nicola E. Atack

  4. Consultant Orthodontist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5PS, UK

    Jayne E. Harrison

  5. Professor of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King´s College London, Floor 27 Tower Wing, Guy´s Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK

    Martyn T. Cobourne

  6. Professor of Orthodontics, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Eastman Dental Hospital, 256 Gray´s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD, UK

    Susan J.  Cunningham

  7. Professor of Orthodontics, Bristol Dental Hospital, Bristol Dental Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK

    Anthony J. Ireland

Authors
  1. Jenifer L. Jopson
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  2. Jennifer A. Haworth
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  3. Nicola E. Atack
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  4. Jayne E. Harrison
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  5. Martyn T. Cobourne
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  6. Susan J.  Cunningham
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  7. Anthony J. Ireland
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the development of the questionnaire-based survey. JJ, JAH and AJI were responsible for data collection and analysis. JJ drafted the manuscript. All authors read, revised and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jenifer L. Jopson.

Ethics declarations

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article. However, some authors work across both the NHS and University settings.

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Jopson, J., Haworth, J., Atack, N. et al. The perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside orthodontic speciality training: a cross-sectional survey of British Orthodontic Society members. Br Dent J (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3617-4

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