Is the Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) the Metric Needed to Assist with Postgraduate Admissions? Two Viewpoints: Viewpoint 1: The ADAT Provides a Viable Solution to Help Postgraduate Programs Differentiate Applicants and Viewpoint 2: The ADAT Has Questionable Utility and Value for Postgraduate Admissions

Use of a Knowledge-Based Governance Approach to Plan a Post-COVID-19 Predoctoral Dental

COVID-19 abruptly changed dental education, forcing educators out of their comfort zones and into using new technologies and teaching approaches. At the University of Washington School of Dentistry, a task force evaluated the curricular changes that resulted from COVID and made recommendations for the future predoctoral dental curriculum. This manuscript reports the process employed, the findings of the task force, and how these findings will impact the curriculum. A knowledge-based governance (KBG) approach was employed. KBG focuses on gathering all relevant information and identifying all choices. It separates dialogue from deliberation. Information was gathered via literature review, focus group interviews, electronic surveys, and other metrics. The task force evaluated: (1) delivering didactic content remotely; (2) administering assessments remotely; (3) duplicating preclinical simulation lab courses due to social distancing; and (4) the conversion from a numerical to a credit/no credit grading scale. Key recommendations resulted from focus groups and electronic surveys that allowed any student or faculty member an opportunity to provide input. Some topics were relatively non-controversial and strong recommendations were evident. The most controversial issue was which grading scale should be utilized. A KBG approach is an effective means to address mega issues in the dental school environment.

Survey of Dental Anesthesiology program directors' preferences regarding the candidate application and interview process

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

Dental Anesthesiology recently gained specialty recognition in 2019. Program directors' preferences for candidates applying to this newly recognized specialty are not well known. This study sought to assess these preferences by surveying the program directors of advanced dental education programs in Dental Anesthesiology.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The survey consisted of eleven questions on candidate qualities, academic application criteria, standardized examinations, shadowing, externships, sedation experience, and interview format.

RESULTS

The survey achieved a response rate of 100% with all nine program directors completing the survey. The study found that program directors tended to rank integrity, interpersonal/communication skills, assumes responsibility, team player, and reliability among the top five candidate qualities. Program directors tended to rank professional evaluations, institutional evaluations, externship, shadowing (a practicing anesthesiologist), and standardized tests among the top five academic application criteria. Program directors largely preferred differentiating candidates with a standardized examination, such as the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) or the creation of a new examination specific for Dental Anesthesiology application. Program directors largely recommended shadowing and externships but were largely indifferent to a candidate's experience or certification in sedation. All nine program directors opted for virtual interviews in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this descriptive, cross-sectional study may have significant implications for the candidate application and interview process into the field of Dental Anesthesiology.

Correlation between Advanced Dental Admission Test performance and dental MATCH success

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

The Advanced Dental Admissions Test was developed in 2016 to aid residency programs evaluate qualified applicants. Since its conception, however, there have been no studies seeking to evaluate the usefulness of the exam regarding an applicants' ability to match with a residency program through the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (MATCH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Advanced Dental Admission Test performance on student MATCH success into a post-doctoral pediatric residency program.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated the academic records of pediatric residency applicants using the ADEA PASS and MATCH program between 2017 and 2019. Five scholastic and 7 demographic variables were extracted from student ADEA PASS applications. Applicant MATCH status and preference was obtained from the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program. Descriptive statistics for each application cycle was calculated and used to evaluate applicant demographic and scholastic data. Correlation coefficients assessed for associations between scholastic/demographic factors and MATCH status/preference. Logistic regression models estimated the probability of MATCH status/preference. Significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

An association was found between ADAT scores and MATCH status, but the influence was minimal (odds ratio: 1.004, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.008). Applicant age (P < 0.0216) and dental schools that ranked students (P < 0.0002) were the most significant factors for MATCH status and preference, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ADAT scores played a minimal role in applicants matching to pediatric residency programs. Applicant age and schools that provide class ranks were found to be significant predictors when considering MATCH status and preference to pediatric residency programs.