Junior faculty perspectives on the academic environment: A call for development and onboarding
Keith A Mays1, Lorel E Burns2, Grishondra Branch-Mays3
1University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of Dental Education
|February 19, 2022
Summary
Dental faculty satisfaction varies by age and race, with younger and non-Caucasian faculty reporting lower satisfaction. Investing in professional development and inclusive environments is crucial for retaining academic dental careers.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Academic Medicine
- Faculty Development
Background:
- Dental schools face challenges with new faculty lacking teaching experience.
- Faculty development initiatives are increasing in US and Canadian dental schools.
- This study assesses full-time faculty perspectives on development and academic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate full-time dental faculty perspectives on their professional development.
- To identify factors influencing faculty satisfaction within the academic environment.
- To inform institutional strategies for faculty support and retention.
Main Methods:
- A 33-item questionnaire was administered to dental faculty.
- Data collected included demographics, satisfaction (Likert scale), and professional experiences.
- Statistical analyses included ANOVA, chi-square, and t-tests.
Main Results:
- 183 faculty responded; significant associations found between employment length and responsibilities, publications, and intent to stay.
- Age correlated significantly with satisfaction in professional development, career objectives, well-being, resources, communication, and training.
- Non-Caucasian faculty reported lower satisfaction with respect, diversity, inclusion, and teamwork.
Conclusions:
- Junior faculty show strong interest in academic dental careers.
- Institutions must enhance onboarding and professional development programs.
- Improving early faculty experiences, diversity, inclusion, and well-being is essential.
Keywords:
academic careersdental faculty shortagefaculty academic environmentfaculty affairsfaculty recruitmentMore Related Videos
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