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Do pediatric dentists practice the orthodontics they are taught?
Kelly K Hilgers1, Deborah Redford-Badwal, Susan Reisine
1Department of Orthodontic, Pediatric and Geriatric Dentistry, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, USA. hilgersk@yahoo.com
Pediatric Dentistry
|June 10, 2004
Summary
Pediatric dentists in residency programs treat more diverse orthodontic cases than practicing dentists. However, most orthodontic treatments provided by residents and practicing pediatric dentists are similar.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Pediatric dentists provide orthodontic care.
- Residency programs train future pediatric dentists in orthodontics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare orthodontic treatment by pediatric dental diplomates with that taught in residency programs.
- To assess if pediatric dentists' clinical practice aligns with their residency training.
Main Methods:
- Surveys of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) diplomates and pediatric dental residency program directors.
- Statistical analysis of survey responses regarding orthodontic treatment modalities and patient populations.
Main Results:
- Pediatric dental residents treated more public assistance patients compared to diplomates.
- Residents utilized a wider range of orthodontic appliances and treated more developmental stages and malocclusions.
- Diplomates predicted a decrease in orthodontic treatment, while program directors anticipated an increase.
Conclusions:
- While most orthodontic treatments were similar, residents experienced broader training.
- Residency programs are poised to increase orthodontic treatment delivery more than practicing diplomates.