(PO-122) Generational Perspectives of Orthodontists—A Survey Study (Not Presenting)

Presenter: Syed R. Hussain, D.M.D. – Orthodontic Resident, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Author: Shuying S. Jiang, MS – Research Associate, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, School of Dental Medicine
Presenter: Jose A. Bosio, BDS, MS – Orthdontic Program Director, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Submitter: Syed R. Hussain, D.M.D. – Orthodontic Resident, University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Objective: To identify differences between generations of orthodontists in the U.S. and to evaluate the perspective of each generation on widely debated topics in orthodontics.

Materials and

Methods: A 22-item Institutional Review Board approved survey was randomly distributed to orthodontists in the U.S. and Canada. Participants were asked questions about the use of technology, future of clear aligner therapy (CAT), orthodontic education, student debt, marketing, and corporate orthodontics among other topics.

Results: Significant increase in female orthodontists over generations and a decrease in orthodontic educators was found (P < 0.05). Among generations, differences were found in regard to the amount of student debt, use of specific diagnostic tools, marketing preferences, and their opinion on the future of CAT. Most of the silent generation (SG) did not have student debt, whereas millennials reported paying off their debt in 1 to >20 years, and being most heavily burdened by the student debt. Younger generations appeared more likely to use CBCT and intraoral imaging, whereas older generations preferred traditional diagnostic tools such as hand wrist radiographs, and alginate impressions. Most of the SG indicated not marketing their practices, whereas, millennials rely heavily on social media and emails for marketing.

Conclusions: Clear distinctions exist between different generations of orthodontists. Issues such as increasing student debt load for millennial orthodontists and a decrease in orthodontic educators over generations should be addressed to preserve the future of the orthodontic profession.