Orthodontic Residents' Mentorship: Perceptions, Experiences, and Programmatic Implications in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61172/aw1skh88Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Mentoring is an essential aspect of dental education, particularly in specialized fields like orthodontics that require complex clinical decision-making. Effective mentorship enables orthodontic residents to receive more comprehensive training, thereby enhancing their professional productivity. This study evaluated mentorship among Nigerian orthodontic residents.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured 17-item Google form questionnaire. Information regarding sociodemographics, perception of mentoring, and experiences during training was collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive (frequencies and proportions) and inferential (chi-square) statistical methods. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: The study involved 20 females and 17 males, with a mean age of 38.22 ± 6.77 years, most in the 36–45 years age range. Nearly all respondents (35, 94.6%) expressed interest in being mentored, and the majority (27, 73.0%) had previously received mentoring. Most (33, 89.2%) believed that mentoring is important, while 28 (75.7%) reported that mentoring enhanced their confidence and skills. Fewer than half (15, 40.5%) felt the mentoring they received was inadequate, and 16 (43.2%) thought the quality of mentorship during orthodontic posting was good. Seventeen (45.9%) and 14 (37.8%) agreed that mentorship aided their clinical practice and research pursuits, respectively. Perceived impacts on research, clinical practice, and skills showed no statistically significant gender-based differences.
Conclusions: Mentorship is desired by Nigerian orthodontic residents and should be encouraged, as it could be an important tool to improve residents' practice confidence and clinical skills.
Keywords: Mentoring, confidence, medical education, orthodontic residents, research interest
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