Motivational factors and future plans of nigerian orthodontic residents.

This study was conducted to investigate factors influencing career choice of Nigerian orthodontic residents and to identify their future plans. All orthodontic residents in the Nigerian residency training programs were invited to complete a survey in July 2010. Data were categorized by demographic variables and were analyzed with statistical methods including chi-square analyses. Twenty-eight of the thirty-seven orthodontic residents in Nigeria completed the survey. The most important factor influencing the decision to pursue specialty training in orthodontics was a "passion for orthodontics" (42.9 percent), followed by "intellectual stimulation/challenge" (25 percent). The decision to become an orthodontist was made by 32.1 percent of the respondents while in dental school; 35.7 percent decided after completing dental school during private practice and 14.3 percent during a dental residency, while 3.6 percent had already decided before starting their dental school studies. Eleven residents (39.3 percent) said they plan to work in a private practice environment. Only four residents indicated that they will most likely practice primarily in an academic setting, while ten were undecided. Most residents (85.7 percent) reported planning to practice in an urban setting. A passion for orthodontics was the major attraction for orthodontic residency training for most residents in Nigeria, and few residents were considering academic career choices after graduation.