INTRODUCTION

1. . INTRODUCTION 5% of SpR’s were concerned about the prospect of further examinations at the FTTA grade. Additionally, the shortage of flexible or part time training was seen as a problem for 12%. 24% were discouraged by the length of additional training and 18% were concerned by the possibility of having to move location to find an FTTA position. Table 3. Perceived advantages of FTTA training After 3 years of orthodontic specialist registrar (SpR) training, trainees can opt to apply for higher level training at the FTTA grade to ultimately become a consultant or senior lecturer or to find employment in specialist orthodontic practice, the salaried services or as a staff grade within the hospital system. In 2008 there were 48 FTTA’s in post and 129 NTN SpR’s in the UK1. In 2007 58% of 3rd year SpR’s went into specialist practice and 36% pursued the FTTA route. OBJECTIVE To determine the immediate career aspirations of the 2008/2009 cohort of 3rd year orthodontic SpR’s. The Perceived Challenges of Orthodontic SpR TrainingV.Elton*, A.M.Pringle*, S.KhanTraining Grades Group, British Orthodontic Society METHOD This was a prospective questionnaire based survey of 3rd year SpR’s completed in May/June 2009. The questionnaire was developed by the BOS TGG group and piloted on 10 2nd year SpR’s. All 3rd year SpR’s (NTN) on training programmes in the UK were contacted by the TGG regional representatives and requested to complete the questionnaire. Assurance was provided that all replies would be treated in a confidential manner. DISCUSSION A survey published in 2008 found 60% of orthodontists on the specialist list to be male2. However, it was acknowledged that the levels of female orthodontists were rising. A 2006 study found the proportion of female orthodontic trainees to be almost double their male counterparts3. The results in this current survey go even further with 79% of respondants being female. 39% of SpR’s were planning to apply for FTTA posts which is a slight increase on the number who actually took up FTTA posts in 2007 (36%). Perhaps this was because of concerns regarding lack of jobs in specialist practice. Financial factors were of concern to most respondants, particularly the level of the FTTA salary compared to that potentially earned in specialist practice. Many SpR’s were deterred by the prospect of further examinations but this may be explained by the fact that the survey was undertaken close to the MOrth/IMOrth exam period. RESULTS There were 33 replies (82.5%) from a total of 40 3rd year SpR’s. The mean age was 31.2 years (range 26 to 42), 21% of respondants were male and 79% were female. 48.5% of respondants were committed to continuing to live in their current location, 27.3% were committed to living elsewhere in the country and 24.2% were able to move anywhere for their next employment. Table 1. Area of practice respondants aiming to work in Entrance requirements that were likely to deter application to FTTA posts included the requirement for publications (46%) and the competition involved (20%). Table 2. Financial factors negatively influencing the choice to pursue the FTTA route CONCLUSION Financial factors were particularly important when considering posts after SpR training. The most significant factor was the FTTA salary compared to potential earnings in specialist practice. Many SpR’s were also concerned about undertaking further examinations but would like the opportunity for further training and the chance to treat multi-disciplinary cases. REFERENCES • Dixon M et al. Orthodontic Training in the UK: A report on the • current status in 2008. • British Orthodontic Society Website; Training Grades Group Section • www.bos.org.uk/aboutbos/groups/tgg/Orthodontic+Training+in+the+UK.htm • Collins JM, Hunt NP, Moles DR, Galloway J. Changes in the gender and • ethnic balance of the United Kingdom orthodontic workforce. • Br Dent J 2008;205;E11:1-6. • Murphy TC, Parkin NA, Willmot DR, Robinson PG. The feminisation of • the orthodontic workforce. Br Dent J 2006;201:355-357.