Working conditions and level of satisfaction of graduates from the Orthodontics program at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Exploratory Study

Abstract

Introduction and objective: orthodontics is considered a clinical specialization that has been traditionally practiced in an independent fashion. However, working conditions for graduates from dental specialties need to be monitored due to dynamic changes of the working world. To describe the working conditions and level of satisfaction of graduates from the Orthodontics program at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellin campus. Materials and methods: transversal descriptive study that considered the total population of graduates from the program. Information was collected by the use of a previously validated survey. A univariate analysis for description of information and a bivariate analysis to explore possible associations were carried out. Results: frequency of response was 65% and the whole population reported finding a job within the first six months after graduation. Provision of services was the most frequent form of contract. In general, the level of satisfaction was high, but 39.4% of the population reported average or low satisfaction, especially regarding the type of contract. Gender was associated with number of weekly worked hours. Conclusions: conditions for graduates are favorable in some areas, including the fact that occupation was readily found. Likewise, income is high when compared to average salaries in the country. However, further studies are required to expand the analyses of different aspects, such as type of contract, working hours and elements of working flexibilization that might lead to a deterioration in the professional services provided by these specialists.