Factors important to historically underrepresented applicants in ranking orthodontic programs

To investigate whether significant differences existed in the influence among factors considered during the selection process when ranking orthodontic programs and to understand how an individual's race or ethnic background might affect what factors were more important than others.

A survey was distributed to orthodontic residents to assess overall preferences and differences in desirability of various factors between historically underrepresented racial and ethnic (HURE) and non-HURE applicants.

A total of 115 individuals initiated the survey, and 98 were included for analysis. Sixteen respondents were considered HURE applicants. "Clear aligner therapy training," "good quality of clinical faculty," and "high number of cases started" had the highest mean desirability overall. The most important factors influencing program rank order were "satisfied current residents," "low cost," and "having multiple techniques and treatment philosophies taught." HURE respondents rated "diversity of training of faculty" (P = .0154), "racial and ethnic diversity of current and former residents" (P = .0007), "racial and ethnic diversity of faculty" (P = .0002), "racial and ethnic diversity of patient population" (P = .0131), "male : female ratio of residents" (P = .0225), "participation in care of Medicaid patients" (P = .0251), and "dental school-based program" (P = .0493) higher than their non-HURE counterparts.

Clinical factors are the most important to program applicants. However, HURE applicants place greater importance than non-HURE applicants on characteristics that promote inclusivity and representation of individuals of similar racial and ethnic backgrounds (peers, mentors, and patients).