Factors considered by new faculty in their decision to choose careers in academic dentistry

To determine the characteristics of new dental faculty and what factors influenced them to choose academic careers, a survey was sent to deans at all U.S. dental schools to be distributed to faculty with length of service of four years or less. Responses were received from 240 individuals. About half of the respondents had been in private practice for an average of eight years, and 20 percent had military experience averaging almost sixteen years. A majority had postgraduate training and 60 percent had specialty training. Nearly 32 percent of new faculty were female and 80 percent were U.S. citizens. Analyses of responses to survey items indicated that correlated factors in the survey fell into the following empirical categories: teaching and scholarship, income and indebtedness, research, work schedule, influence of mentors and role models, and long-term aspirations. In general, the respondents identified factors relating to teaching and scholarship to be the most important influences on their choice of academic careers, while concerns about income and indebtedness were the most important negative considerations in this regard. Other positive factors identified by the survey related to the influence of mentors and role models, long-term aspirations, and research. Age, private practice experience, and military experience were found to particularly influence the new faculty members' responses to items concerning income and indebtedness, and citizenship influenced responses to factors relating to research. The data from this select group of dentists support the current view that inequities in income of dental faculty compared to private practitioners and student debt are important concerns in choosing academic careers. Importantly, the desire to teach and participate in scholarly activities are important attractions in academic careers. Mentoring activities and creation of opportunities for career development are crucial factors in developing interest in academics among graduate dentists.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				N. K. Haden, W. Hendricson, R. R. Ranney, A. Vargas, L. Cardenas, W. Rose, R. Ross, and E. Funk The Quality of Dental Faculty Work-Life: Report on the 2007 Dental School Faculty Work Environment Survey J Dent Educ., May 1, 2008; 72(5): 514 - 531. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. M. Roger, M. M.H. Wehmeyer, and M. S. Milliner Reflections on Academic Careers by Current Dental School Faculty J Dent Educ., April 1, 2008; 72(4): 448 - 457. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Oakley and A.R. Vieira The Endangered Clinical Teacher Scholar: Will this Eliminate Discovery from the Dental School Environment? J. Dent. Res., March 1, 2008; 87(3): 200 - 202. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. A. Alexander Changes in Orthodontic Care Patterns in a Predoctoral Children's Dentistry Clinic J Dent Educ., December 1, 2007; 71(12): 1549 - 1553. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. A. Trower Making Academic Dentistry More Attractive to New Teacher-Scholars J Dent Educ., May 1, 2007; 71(5): 601 - 605. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. Haj-Ali, M. P. Walker, C. S. Petrie, and J. Steven Educational Necessities to Compensate for Faculty Shortage J Dent Educ., April 1, 2007; 71(4): 511 - 515. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. L. Davidson, D. C. Carreon, S. E. Baumeister, T. T. Nakazono, J. J. Gutierrez, A. A. Afifi, and R. M. Andersen Influence of Contextual Environment and Community-Based Dental Education on Practice Plans of Graduating Seniors J Dent Educ., March 1, 2007; 71(3): 403 - 418. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. K. Rupp, D. L. Jones, and N. S. Seale Dental students' knowledge about careers in academic dentistry. J Dent Educ., October 1, 2006; 70(10): 1051 - 1060. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. S. Hand Identification of competencies for effective dental faculty. J Dent Educ., September 1, 2006; 70(9): 937 - 947. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. Lachapelle, J. N. Williams, and V. Emond Curriculum and Education: A Working Group Report J Dent Educ., July 1, 2004; 68(7_suppl): 36 - 40. [Full Text] [PDF]