American Board of Dental Public Health diplomate survey, 2021: Competency domains and practice

Abstract

Objective: To describe current Dental Public Health diplomates and list the competency domains that diplomates considered either essential or optional elements of their practice. Methods: The American Board of Dental Public Health administered an electronic survey to active and life member diplomates during September 2021. The survey included 101 items in three sections: (1) Education and Work Experience;(2) Dental Public Health Tasks; and (3) Demographics. The Dental Public Health Tasks section asked individuals how essential work-related tasks were to their current practice. Descriptive analyses were conducted using SAS.Results: The overall response rate was 82.6% (157 eligible of 190 returned). Most respondents were women, 35 to 54 years of age, and either non-Hispanic white or non-Hispanic Asian. Twice as many had DDS or DMD degrees than BDS degrees. The vast majority completed a Dental Public Health residency and received masters level training from an accredited program. About three-fourths worked in the United States and held a U.S. license. More than 37% reported a second doctoral degree and 70% worked in academia. Responses to questions about tasks closely aligned with working in academia and less so with positions related to advocacy, regulation, and program evaluation. Conclusions: Current diplomates are concentrated in academia. If this trend continues, it may be necessary to restructure the competencies, so training and skills acquisition remain timely and relevant. The specialty may also need to encourage future generations to consider non-academic positions so Dental Public Health remains an impactful component of the public health care system.

Bridging gaps: Transforming dental public health training for modern job market demands

“…Hence, it is imperative for DPH residency programs to align their curriculum with emerging public health trends. 5 Shrinking, national healthcare budgets create the need for F I G U R E 2 (A and B) Reasons dental public health residency graduates are not being selected for positions and what residency programs lack according to recent residency graduates. increased efficiencies.…”

“…Even DPH specialists in academia have begun practicing in faculty clinics if external research grants or teaching funding is absent. 5 This shift aligns with evolving university employment practices and is projected to persist. Incorporating clinical training into DPH residency programs enhances graduates' employability and competitiveness, particularly in general and restorative dentistry departments, where they offer a unique blend of clinical and DPH skills.…”

“…4 Recent data indicate that 70% of American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) diplomates are employed in academia. 5 In the DPH field, it is widely observed that job opportunities are limited and tend to favor more senior and experienced professionals. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that the skill set of a DPH specialist is adaptable and valuable across various domains and fields, offering the potential to expand the influence of DPH professionals.…”

“…8 However, a 2021 survey of DPH diplomates revealed the potential need to restructure competencies to ensure training and skills acquisition remain timely and relevant. 5 As the dental field evolves in the early 21st century, new challenges have highlighted the need for DPH specialists to develop skills that align with the current job market demands (JMDs).…”

“…While much of the dental field is centered on clinical practice, the DPH specialty traditionally has been grounded in research, policy, and advocacy 4 . Recent data indicate that 70% of American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) diplomates are employed in academia 5 . In the DPH field, it is widely observed that job opportunities are limited and tend to favor more senior and experienced professionals.…”