Page 52 - MDA MIDEC 2024 Programme Book

ORAL PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS

P009 Name of Presenter: Associate Prof Dr Norasmatul Akma Ahmad, Universiti Malaya
Title of Presentation: Defining the Multifaceted Roles of Dental Academics: A Consensus
Approach Using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM)

Abstract
Ahmad NA 1,*, Musa S 1, Abu Kasim NH 1, Naimie Z 1
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Background: Dental academics are the foundation of dental institutions. They are mostly dental specialists
and scientists driven by a passion for teaching and intellectual challenges. Although most have not been
trained or certified as educators, they are tasked with educating the next generation of dentists within their
fields of expertise. Beyond teaching, dental academics juggle multifaceted roles as educators, researchers,
administrators, and clinicians. The strive to balance these multiple roles may lead dental academics to face
identity conflicts, loss of work satisfaction and ultimately burnout and attrition from the workforce. Given
the limited literature on defining faculty competencies and roles in medical and dental education, and an
ongoing retention issues, it is crucial to clearly delineate these roles to assist dental academics establish
their academic identity and plan their careers.
Objective: This study aims to systematically define the specific roles of dental academics using the Fuzzy
Delphi Method (FDM).
Method: Engaging 27 experts in the first round and 23 in the second, consensus was reached on items derived
from evidence-based literature to define these roles. Analysis yielded 17 accepted items representing the
four main roles of dental academics. Each primary role encompassed a diverse range of job descriptions,
precluding a single, definitive description.
Conclusion: The application of FDM not only refines the understanding of academic roles but also
contributes to establishing the identity of dental academics, aiding their adaptation to the multiple roles
and supporting their career advancement.

Key words: dental academics, Fuzzy Delphi Method, definition, roles, identity.

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