Developing Leadership Among Dental Residents: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: Today's healthcare requires leaders to lead and improve the healthcare sector. CanMEDS framework is the one defining the competencies required for all Saudi residency programs, including dental specialty. Senior residents should demonstrate readiness to transition to practice as a leader. It is imperative to understand the notion of medical education and its influence on the training of future dentists. The major significance of this study is exploring the current leadership development and the integrated training into the Saudi Board Dental Residency Program that has not been systematically studied. Methods: This was a qualitative study employing the phenomenological approach. The theoretical saturation point determined the sample size using a purposeful sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection using a semi-structured interview guide. A descript platform was used for the recordings’ transcription. Ongoing thematic data analysis was done using Nvivo computer software by QSR International. Themes were generated, and the data were interpreted within supported with the most relevant quotations. Results: Sixteen senior residents were required to serve the study purpose. Three themes emerged: awareness of leadership, educational experience, and factors that impacted leadership development. Awareness of residents about the leader's role was limited. Residents developed leadership under the training program with inconsistency and lack of structure. Summative reports were received as part of the assessment, whereas no integral protocol for formative feedback. Specialties, training centers, and coaching were identified as factors that impacted leadership development. Conclusion: This study highlighted leadership development during the residency period. The residents struggled and varied in developing leadership skills relying on their educational experience and learning environment. Residency programs may verify equivalent “leader role” education for all specialties and training centers in residency training in Saudi Arabia. Dovetailing leadership coaching with daily teaching workflow and implementing faculty development initiatives to allow for appropriate feedback and assessment of these skills are advised.