Perceptions and experiences of orthodontic trainees: A questionnaire-based analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the perspectives of both recently graduated and experienced orthodontists regarding the effectiveness of their postgraduate training. It sought to identify areas of the curriculum that were perceived as sufficient, inadequate, or overly emphasized. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 dental professionals, including orthodontic postgraduate students and senior practitioners, participated in this cross-sectional study. A structured electronic questionnaire was disseminated to 500 members of the Indian Orthodontic Society. The questionnaire covered key topics such as myofunctional appliances, digital treatment planning, artificial intelligence (AI), and lingual orthodontics. Responses were collected and analyzed. Results: Of the 500 orthodontists contacted, 300 responded, yielding a 60% response rate. Respondents reported general satisfaction with their training. The majority had received extensive training in fixed appliances (57.3%) and myofunctional appliances, particularly the Twin Block appliance (74.3%). However, several areas were highlighted as inadequately covered: AI in orthodontics (62.3%), lingual orthodontics (49%), aligners (68.3%), and customized orthodontic systems (78%). Conclusion: Although overall satisfaction with postgraduate orthodontic training was high, both novice and experienced practitioners indicated a need for better practical exposure to evolving techniques such as aligners, AI integration, and customized treatment planning. These findings underscore the importance of curriculum reform to keep pace with advancements in the field.