Orthodontic cost awareness amongst orthodontic trainees in a university teaching hospital

After successful completion of orthodontic membership examinations, post-graduate specialty trainees are deemed proficient to work independently in primary care, where some understanding of the costs of providing treatment may be required. Financial management forms part of Module 33 of the Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC) curriculum for orthodontic training.

Establish knowledge levels of the cost of orthodontic items by King's College Hospital (KCH) Orthodontic trainees.

A pictorial questionnaire was distributed to all KCH orthodontic trainees (n = 16) asking them to estimate the cost of 42 pictured items. Actual costs were calculated as a mean from supplier catalogues. Perceived costs were analysed and calculated as a range, mean and percentage difference in relation to actual costs.

When comparing perceived mean costs with actual means, no individual correctly valued at least half of the items within a 50% difference. With all respondents results combined to create an overall mean per item, just under a third (12 items) were valued within a 25% difference, just over half (22 items) within 50% difference, and just over a third (15 items) were greater than 100% difference.

The responses highlighted a large discrepancy in knowledge, highlighting a requirement for basic fiscal education.