Australian dental practitioner perspectives on academic careers

Abstract

Objectives Due to forecasted faculty shortages and increasing student enrollments in dental education, there is a need to attract talented clinicians into academia. To address this growing concern, we need to explore dental practitioners’ perspectives on the academic career pathway, including enablers and barriers to entering the academic workforce. Methods A mixed‐methods electronic survey was disseminated through professional associations and dental groups on social media in 2018. Qualitative responses were examined using an inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants (n = 85) considered an academic career highly regarded (80%) but indicated there was not a clear pathway (79%) and could not recall it being discussed during their dental studies (85%). It was perceived that experience, further study, and networks all played a significant role in forging an academic career. Perceived benefits to an academic career included professional development opportunities, good employment conditions, and making a meaningful contribution. Barriers included the geographical location of universities, losing clinical skills and the lack of a clear career pathway. Conclusion Despite being a highly regarded career, clinicians admit the career pathway to academia is not clear. Improving awareness of academic career paths might be achieved by educating dental students and providing accessible resources to the wider profession.

Recommendations for remaining agile in the face of a dental faculty workforce shortage

“…Academic dentistry is infrequently a career goal for dental students or practicing dentists, and there are limited pathways for new graduates into the dental school faculty. 32,33 Although half of dental graduates express interest in working in dental education, less than one percent intend to do so immediately following graduation. 34 Concerns around income and indebtedness are two of the most important factors preventing new graduates from pursing academic careers.…”

Sources of occupational stress amongst dentistry academics

“…Research with dentistry clinicians has also identified lack of career development as a source of occupational stress 10 . It has been previously reported that whilst a career in dentistry academia is well regarded, the possibilities for pursuing this career are unclear to dentistry clinicians and students 39 . Previous research has identified that most current dentistry academics have no formal training in education or knowledge of pedagogy which can hinder career development in the profession 39 .…”

“…It has been previously reported that whilst a career in dentistry academia is well regarded, the possibilities for pursuing this career are unclear to dentistry clinicians and students 39 . Previous research has identified that most current dentistry academics have no formal training in education or knowledge of pedagogy which can hinder career development in the profession 39 . This may, however, change with universities offering career development and leadership training to academic staff 39 …”

“…Previous research has identified that most current dentistry academics have no formal training in education or knowledge of pedagogy which can hinder career development in the profession 39 . This may, however, change with universities offering career development and leadership training to academic staff 39 …”

The future of faculty recruitment: Inspiring students into an academic career

“…Poor financial reward, geographical location of universities, lack of educational training, loss of clinical skills, and lack of a clear career pathway were the main drawbacks reported by dentists practicing in private settings. 7,8 The income discrepancy between academic dentistry and private practice has been highlighted as the first major barrier. 9 Student indebtedness is another significant driver influencing the career decisions of recent dental and residency graduates.…”