Why dentists should consider a career in orthodontic academia

Orthodontics, like all areas of dentistry, offers the option to pursue a career in academia. In addition to providing clinical care for patients, academic orthodontists have a role in educating dental students and the wider dental community. There is also the option to engage with and undertake research, which may advance treatment and improve patient care. There is currently a shortage of academic orthodontists in the UK, with institutions reporting difficulties in the recruitment to academic posts. This problem is not only confined to orthodontics but widespread among dentistry. As a result, there is concern regarding the long-term future of dental academia. This paper considers why this might be the case and aims to raise awareness of the shortage in dental academic staff. It will discuss some of the main reasons put forward to explain this shortage and offer information and guidance to those interested in pursuing a career as an orthodontic academic.