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The growth of postdoctoral general dentistry programs
S L Handelman1, C Meyerowitz, E Solomon
1Department of General Dentistry, Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, New York 14620, USA.
Summary
Postdoctoral General Dentistry (PGD) programs saw significant growth from 1972-1990, with enrollment increasing by 131%. Unmet demand for PGD positions was estimated at 300 in 1990.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Postgraduate Training
- Healthcare Workforce Development
Background:
- The number of Postdoctoral General Dentistry (PGD) programs and positions significantly increased between 1972 and 1990.
- Growth was primarily driven by civilian programs, particularly General Practice Residency (GPR) and later Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends in PGD program growth and enrollment from 1972 to 1990.
- To assess the impact of federal funding on PGD program expansion.
- To estimate the unmet demand for PGD positions and project future needs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of program and enrollment data for Postdoctoral General Dentistry (PGD) programs from 1972 to 1990.
- Examination of growth drivers, including hospital sponsorship, federal funding, and accreditation of specific program types (GPR, AEGD).
- Estimation of unmet demand using data from the Survey of Dental Seniors and the Matching Program.
Main Results:
- PGD programs increased by 57% and enrollment by 131% (1,367 positions) by 1990.
- Federal funding (1978-1990) contributed to a substantial increase in civilian PGD positions.
- An estimated 300 PGD positions were in unmet demand in 1990.
Conclusions:
- Continued annual growth of PGD positions could meet current unmet demand within a decade.
- Mandating a postdoctoral year for licensure would likely result in a significant shortfall of available PGD positions.
- The landscape of postgraduate dental education evolved with the emergence and growth of AEGD programs.