A structured interview for dental school admissions

Abstract

The Dental Admission Test Committee of the Canadian Dental Association developed a structured interview instrument for use in the admission process in Canadian dental schools. The interview was structured to elicit standardized information concerning a candidate's personality with regard to motivation, self-appraisal, maturity, ability to relate, adaptability, principles (ethics), sense of responsibility, and personal reaction. In a pilot study for the 1980 admission cycle, the interview was used in the admission process at the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta. Interrater reliability was established and factor analysis performed. All subsections of the interview loaded on the same factor, indicating that the use of a composite score is preferable to the use of subscores in the assessment process. Validity studies will be performed when the accepted candidates have progressed in their dental careers.