A survey on the oral radiologists’ career profile

Abstract

Understanding the profile of a profession can contribute to improving the career by addressing its contemporary positive and negative aspects. The aim of the present study was to survey the career profile of oral radiologists and assess training needs and their level of satisfaction. This cross-sectional survey was applied to oral radiologists in Brazil. A web-based questionnaire was developed comprising 40 questions divided into 9 sections focusing on demographic data, educational background, workload, reports of imaging modalities, income, training, legal worries, and level of satisfaction. Descriptive analysis and the chi-square test were used to compare responses. Logistic regression determined significant predictors of professional and financial income satisfaction (α=5%). The final sample consisted of 181 participants, and a margin of error of 2.8%. One-hundred and thirty-three females and 48 males participated in the survey, most of them aged between 31-40 years old (44%), and dedicating over 40 hours per week (26%) to the reports. There is a balanced number of professionals issuing radiographic (65-73%), and tomographic (73%) reports. Training for 3D imaging reports was considered insufficient in postgraduate courses, which resulted in the pursuit of additional training. Professional satisfaction is higher than the financial income satisfaction (p<0.001), and the last is influenced by working hours, volume of reports and issuing intraoral radiography reports (p<0.001). Oral radiologists’ career was outlined, and the trends are demonstrated. Attention should be given to 3D reports training in postgraduate courses to better prepare the oral radiologists.