Research in pediatric dental postgraduate programs and residencies: results of a survey

The purpose of this study was to determine various aspects of the research experiences in postgraduate and residency training programs in pediatric dentistry.

A survey was developed and sent to all directors of postgraduate and residency training programs in pediatric dentistry. The survey consisted of 21 items on various topics related to research experiences of the postgraduate students and residents. The items varied in structure, but most contained response sets deemed appropriate for the intent of the question. The directors were asked to complete the survey and return the questionnaire in a self-addressed stamped envelope within a 3-week period. If a program did not respond within 6 weeks, a follow-up survey was sent. The response sets were collated and analyzed with descriptive and nonparametric statistics.

Forty of 55 programs responded with usable data sets. All reporting programs indicated that research experiences occur for residents and all have access to statistical assistance. Eighty-seven percent devote clinical hours to student research and 50% of the students share data or protocols. Only a minority (7%) of programs has not published student research in the last 5 years. Interference with revenue-generating clinic times (45%), lack of faculty understanding/interest in research (40%), and lack of financial resources (32%) were the 3 major obstacles for postgraduate research.

Despite research being accomplished in postgraduate programs in pediatric dentistry, variability in key factors (eg, devoted research time) is common among programs. The impact of this variability on the profession and its advancement of scientific endeavors are unknown.