Motivations and future Practice Plans of Pakistani Orthodontic Trainees

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the factors influencing career choice and to find out the future practice plans of postgraduate orthodontic trainees in the Pakistan. Methods: A survey was conducted to record the factors influencing career choice and to find out the future practice plans. A final study sample consisted of 53 postgraduate orthodontic trainees from different orthodontic centres. Data were categorized by demographic variables and were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: A “passion for orthodontics” was the most influencing factor (32%) to choose orthodontics as a career, followed by “intellectual challenge” (25%). Around 20% of trainees choose orthodontic to improve their earning and 9% join orthodontic for job prestige. Most trainees decided to become an orthodontist after they completed undergraduate dental school (45%), and only 4% had already decided before starting their undergraduate dental college studies. Most trainees (92%) future practice plans are to pursue a career in orthodontic teaching along with doing private evening practice. Conclusion: A passion for orthodontics was the major attraction for postgraduate orthodontic training for most trainees in Pakistan.