An Analysis Of Factors That Align With Faculty Vacancies In Orthodontic Education

Orthodontic education is in a state of flux. Reduced recruitment and retention, and increased faculty vacancies of full-time faculty members in postgraduate orthodontic programs in the U.S. and Canada were issues of critical importance. This study was conducted using phenomenological methodology (Bogdan & Biklen, 2007; Moustakas, 1994). The research design featured interviews to collect data from 21 participants, who were grouped into three categories (chairpersons, full- and part-time faculty, and orthodontic residents). Interviews were utilized to (a) identify similarities of participants' responses, (b) facilitate categorizing, and (c) analyze the data. For each participant, significant statements relevant to recruitment, retention, of faculty vacancies were highlighted. The findings indicated that factors affecting faculty vacancies included: salary discrepancies between academe and private practice, workload, educational debts, and the American Association of Orthodontists' help was too little and too late. Social justice issues have begun to appear as a result of escalating faculty vacancies. Foreign- born orthodontists have replaced American-born faculty members. These findings may influence revision of leadership roles and responsibilities. The data strongly suggest deep concern that the future of orthodontic education presented a diminished and unfortunately a daunting outlook.