Future Practice Plans of Orthodontic Postgraduate Residents in India

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the future practice plans of the Orthodontic residents in India. Materials and methods: Questionnaire totaling 37 items was drafted and posted along self-addressed (return) envelopes to the respective Head of Orthodontic departments of 120 dental schools. This survey was also carried out at the postgraduate student convention at Manali in 2011. A total of 1200 questionnaire forms were circulated and 781 forms were received back. Survey was started in February 2011 and completed in August 2011. Basic statistic including Chi-square test was performed for the comparative analysis based on sex and region. Results: 100% of the respondants were satisfied with the choice of the subject while 44% opted for the prosthodontia as their second choice if given chance. 72% residents were satisfied with 3 years duration of the course. 77% of them were planning to take IBO certification while 80% residents were against making it against compulsory. 57% residents said they will be looking for a job while 30% wanted to start practice right after their postgraduate course completion. Self-ligating brackets are expected to gain ground with 71% residents expecting to use them and 55% were for the use of Invasilign. 89% were going to use fixed functional appliance. 90% residents plan to use TAD in their practice and fixed retainer was clear favorite (53%). The choices were uniform among the male and female respondants and also no clear regional significant differences were evident between the various regions. Conclusion: Indian Orthodontic programs would not find a shortage of full-time academicians in the future. Residents favor 35to 36-month programs with a research-based component. Newer techniques, e.g. Digital Imaging, TAD, SLB are here to stay.