108 - Curriculum and Training Satisfaction Post-Residency Training

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess graduate residents’ satisfaction regarding the residency program’s curriculum and readiness for clinical practice and board exams.

Methods: Voluntary surveys were emailed via SurveyMonkey to graduates of Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s (TAMCOD) pediatric dental program within their first-year post-residency to assess the curriculum. The survey included questions about the program’s curriculum, clinical/didactical experiences during residency, and level of preparedness for clinical practice and ABPD exams. All responses received were reviewed and used for analysis. 

Results: A total of 55 surveys were emailed to the class of 2019-2024 graduates (excluding class of 2020 due to the pandemic), and 49 responses were obtained. The response rate was 89%. Orthodontics- clinical treatment and IV conscious sedation received the most “inadequate” ratings (n=36, n=24 respectively). Clinically, the 3rd and 4th most identified areas of training weakness were sedation and pulp treatment.

Conclusion: As anticipated, responses varied by graduates, but overall, clinical experience in orthodontics and IV sedation were the areas most frequently cited for improvement within the program. Based on survey results, TAMCOD’s pediatric dental residency program has prepared its graduates for the practice of pediatric dentistry.