Preference of Practicing Dental Surgeons between Pediatric Dentistry Post-graduate Students and MDS Graduates for Pediatric Consultation: A Questionnaire Based Study
Author(s): Palak Janiani* and Ganesh Jeevanandan
Abstract
Aim: To determine whether dentists prefer postgraduate students or MDS graduates for treating children and the reason for the same. Materials and Methods: A self-constructed questionnaire on a general dentist’s choice between post graduate students or MDS graduates for pediatric consultation having 11 questions was formulated and shared electronically. 165 responses were recorded which were then statistically analysed by the Chi-Square test. Results: 65.7% of dentists prefer calling a MDS graduate over a student (34.3%) for pediatric consultation despite the postgraduate student charging half the fees for the same treatment. MDS graduates (73.3%) were preferred over students (26.7%) even if a final year student was treating more cases on a daily basis than the MDS graduate. Conclusion: Regardless of cost or years of experience, the majority of dentists preferred those with an already existing MDS degree rather than postgraduate students. However, one-third of dentists from both extremes of the age spectrum preferred to counsel postgraduate students. It's possible that this is owing to their lower fees. Clinical significance: This survey helps in understanding job prospects for pediatric dentists during and after the completion of post-graduation.