Orthodontic residents' mentorship: Perceptions, experiences, and programmatic implications in Nigeria

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 socio-demographics, 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.