Other
Hana Reed, DMD
Resident
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Indiana University
Brownsburg, Indiana, United States
Brian Sanders, DDS, MPH
Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children
Allison C. Scully, DDS, MS
Assistant Professor
Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
LaQuia A. Vinson, DDS, MPH
Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program Director
Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Introduction: Pediatric dentistry has grown to be the most sought-after residency with the most applicants out of all the specialties. Predicting a resident’s preparedness and clinical skills can be difficult. There are currently no studies in dentistry that have determined if there is a correlation between private practice experience prior to residency and its effects on residency performance.
Objective: This study explored if there is a correlation between prior private practice experience and student’s perceived preparedness and performance for pediatric dentistry residency.
Methods: A 16 item survey was distributed to all current fist year residents and program directors of CODA accredited pediatric dentistry programs. This survey asked questions regarding: resident demographics, residency program type, years of experience in private practice, confidence in skills, and their perceived level of difficulty of their program.
Alternative Hypothesis:
1. Residents who have work experience prior to residency will have more confidence in their communication, operative, and behavior management skills.
2. Residents who have work experience prior to residency will perceive residency as less difficult than their peers who have no prior work experience
3. Program directors will rate skills of the majority of residents with prior experience as better or significantly better than residents without prior experience