Factors affecting the mobility of pediatric dentistry faculty

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Academic Medicine
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Understanding the demographics and motivations of pediatric dentistry faculty is crucial for academic institutions.
• Identifying factors influencing faculty retention and recruitment is essential for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To profile current pediatric dentistry faculty.
• To assess faculty willingness to relocate for academic positions.
• To determine key factors influencing faculty decisions regarding new positions.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was administered to current full-time pediatric dentistry faculty.
• Data collected included demographics, relocation willingness, and factors influencing career decisions.

Main Results:

• Male faculty were older on average (49.3 years) than female faculty (39.3 years).
• A higher percentage of women (87%) than men (66%) expressed readiness to relocate for improved career opportunities.
• Both genders prioritized professional growth and salary increases, with women at the associate professor level valuing academic promotion more than their male counterparts.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric dentistry faculty, especially women, are receptive to relocation driven by career growth and compensation.
• Institutions should focus on offering enhanced professional development and competitive salaries to attract and retain faculty.
• Addressing the specific career advancement priorities of women faculty, particularly at the associate professor level, is important for equitable recruitment.