Presentation Recording
Acquiring an Advanced Degree as a Pathway for Clinical Dental Faculty Development
Team: Molar Express (Advisor: Michelle Robinson)
Presenters: Sarah Pagni (Tufts University School of Dental Medicine), Sophia Khan (University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine), Kevin Luan (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry), Victoria Patrounova (University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston), Sabrina Garcia Hammaker (University of Michigan School of Dentistry) and Mohamed El Salhy (University of New England College of Dental Medicine)
View the playlist of all the 2019 ADEA Emerging Leaders Program Fellows' Presentations.
Abstract
Clinical faculty are the core educators in dental education. Transitioning from clinical practice to academia can be challenging due to the lack of knowledge and skills related to teaching and research. Examples of valuable teaching knowledge/skills needed in dental education include curriculum and syllabus development, writing objectives and exam questions, providing feedback and using new technologies (e.g. Examsoft, Prezi, TopHat, Canvas, etc.) for teaching, assessment and presentations. Research-related knowledge/skills include writing grants and abstracts, designing research studies and analyzing research data and ultimately, submitting for publications and presentations.
Earning advanced degrees in education, research or administration can be a path for clinical faculty to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in academia. There are many program options to select from; these programs are offered using different formats (in-person, online and hybrid) that can accommodate working faculty.
The aim of this project is to examine dental faculty attitudes and interest towards acquiring advanced degrees (e.g. M.P.H., M.B.A., M.S., M.A., M.Ed., etc.) for their career development. Participants in the present study will be dental faculty from six U.S. dental schools. Data will be collected using an online questionnaire administered through Qualtrics.
The questionnaire will consist of sections related to:
- Demographics,
- Satisfaction with the current knowledge and skills related to teaching and research,
- Interest and attitude toward gaining an advanced degree,
- Availability of programs at their institutions,
- Support from their school administration to gain an advanced degree and
- Perceived barriers to acquiring an advanced degree.
Demographic and general responses to different items will be collected. Predictors of faculty interest to acquire an advanced degree will be examined using regression analysis. Recommendations related to the suitability of acquiring an advanced degree as a pathway for clinical dental faculty development will be developed based on the results.