A Survey of Continuing Education Needs of Military General Dentists

To identify continuing education (CE) content interest, delivery preferences, and perceived barriers in obtaining CE for general dentists in the U.S. military.

This study was given an exempt status by the IRB board. An online 20-question survey was advertised via email and newsletters to active duty general dentists in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force between March and July 2024. The survey consisted of 6 sections: demographics, CE content preferences, perceived proficiency in various dental disciplines, CE delivery preferences, CE attendance patterns, and perceived support in obtaining CE. A comprehensive descriptive analysis was utilized to highlight important findings and provide a foundation for future research.

The survey had a response rate of 17.14%. Because the authors were not able to verify exactly how many dentists were ultimately made aware of the survey, it was not possible to compute an accurate response rate, making the sample one of convenience. The 3 CE topics of highest interest were emerging technology, oral pathology, and digital dentistry, while the 3 with the least interest were pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and pharmacology. Three of the 5 subjects of highest interest were also in the top 5 subjects of highest perceived provider proficiency (digital dentistry, operative, and oral surgery). Similarly, 5 of the 6 subjects of least interest were also in the bottom 6 of perceived proficiency (medical emergencies, pharmacology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and dental public health). Hands-on training was ranked as the most preferred format for CE delivery. However, it ranked the third lowest attended CE type. The primary reported impediment to attending CE was a lack of funding.

Dentists are interested in CE subjects that align more with their perceived strengths versus their weaknesses, and hands-on training, though preferred, was relatively underutilized. These trends provide useful information that may help develop a Defense Health Agency CE program with intentionality. Similar surveys should be conducted periodically to gauge the evolving needs and interests of military dentists.