Advocacy training in US advanced pediatric dentistry training programs

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Health Advocacy Training

Background:

• Advocacy is crucial for pediatric dentists to address children's oral health needs beyond clinical settings.
• Residency programs play a vital role in equipping future pediatric dentists with advocacy skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pediatric dentistry residency program directors' views on advocacy training.
• To determine the current state of advocacy training within U.S. pediatric dentistry residency programs.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to all 66 U.S. pediatric dentistry residency program directors.
• The survey assessed directors' attitudes, training content, resident involvement, and personal advocacy engagement.

Main Results:

• A 64% response rate was achieved, with directors largely agreeing on the importance of advocacy training.
• Most programs offered limited advocacy training in nonclinical settings, though community outreach was common.
• While many directors engaged in legislative lobbying, involvement with political action committees (PACs) was less frequent.

Conclusions:

• Advocacy is considered important in pediatric dentistry education.
• Discrepancies exist in program directors' attitudes and the actual provision of advocacy training in U.S. programs.