Pediatric Dentistry Academic Workforce Survey

Purpose: The purposes of this paper were to: (1) assess the current status of the pediatric dentistry academic workforce; (2) compare current findings with a similar survey completed in 2006; and (3) explore factors influencing the faculty workforce in pediatric dentistry. Methods: In 2016, 144 pediatric dentistry faculty members completed a web-based survey regarding workforce issues. Questions were asked regarding: (1) faculty demographics; (2) academic job history; (3) academic career longevity and possible change motivators; and (4) private practice participation. Results: A slight increase in the number of female pediatric dentistry educators was noted, since 2006. The precipitous drop in pediatric dentistry educators within the first five years of their academic careers, noted in 2006, seems to have improved somewhat, with more respondents indicating that they had been in their academic careers between five and 10 years than previously. However, a concerning number of faculty vacancies remain unfilled. Conclusions: Survey results indicate that pediatric dentistry's academic workforce challenges are consistent with the well-documented national shortage of dental faculty members. The most notable changes since the 2006 survey are the slight increase in female faculty members and a possible trend toward slightly younger faculty members and slightly longer faculty retention.