Graduates' perceptions concerning the value of required research experience in orthodontic postdoctoral programs were determined. Factors in the postdoctoral research program that provided positive/negative experiences were also identified. Fifteen attitude statements concerning the merits of required research projects and demographic items on the graduates were completed by 307 U.S. orthodontists who completed their residencies in 1980, 1981, or 1982. Findings include: 66% of orthodontists felt their required graduate research made them better orthodontists; 83% felt that the research experience improved their ability to evaluate the professional literature and 51% believed it helped them evaluate new clinical techniques; and 28% felt that the time spent on research would have been better spent on some other aspect of training and 14% felt that research was not applicable to clinical practice. Factors that seemed linked to positive attitudes were a helpful adviser, having a major role in developing the project, and an interesting project. The 15 attitude statements are appended. (SW)