Demographic Landscape and Practice Patterns of Canadian Orthodontists
Abstract
Purpose: To obtain information on the current demographic landscape and practice patterns of orthodontists in Canada.
Methods: Dental regulatory authorities were contacted and surveyed on number, sex, dental school, graduate orthodontic program, years of dentistry and specialty graduation, and location of practice of licensed orthodontists. Information on professional memberships, fellowship, and board certification status was collected from the affiliated resources. The number and distribution of orthodontists was compared on a regional and population level with the aid of Statistics Canada records. Practice patterns were identified for licensed orthodontists in regards to sex, educational training, work experience, practice location, fellowship status, board certification, and professional memberships. Census divisions were extrapolated from practice locations to illustrate the spatial distribution of orthodontists, and statistical analysis identified associations between practice patterns and demographic and social factors.
Results: Number: 932 orthodontists were identified (2.4 per 100,000 population) with 48 practitioners registered in more than one jurisdiction. Sex: 35% of orthodontists in Canada are currently female with the proportion of female graduates increasing over time. Training: 73% of orthodontists graduated from a Canadian dental school, while 63% graduated from a Canadian orthodontic specialty program. Certification: 57% of orthodontists were fellows of the RCDC and 9% were board certified with the ABO. Professional Membership: 53% of orthodontists were members of the CAO and 44% were members of the AAO. Experience: The mean years of experience was 18.5 with a median year of graduation of 2005. Location: Most orthodontists in Canada practiced out of one location (72%). Although considerable regional variation was noted with the distribution of orthodontists in Canada, a greater number of orthodontists practiced in regions with higher population densities and household incomes. Rural regions remained relatively underserved.
Conclusions: This study is the first of its kind to characterize the demographics of orthodontists in Canada. This information will enable professional associations, graduate training programs, dental regulatory authorities, and government policymakers to better understand the orthodontic workforce to the benefit of the profession and the public.