Applicants' perceptions on the multiple mini-interview process as a selection tool for dental and therapy and hygiene students

Abstract

This research details and quantifies applicants' perceptions towards multiple mini-interviews as a selection tool. BDS and DCP (therapy and hygiene) candidates who secured a multiple mini-interview (MMI) completed a questionnaire based on the thematic analysis of the previous year's multiple mini-interviews. The questionnaire explored the candidates' feelings with reference to the interview process and the stations used on the MMI process. Of 235 BDS and 62 therapy and hygiene interviewees, 231 (98.3%) and 61 (96.7%) completed or partially completed the questionnaire. Demographic data revealed that 61.9% (143) of the BDS interviewees were female and 86.7% were female (52) in the therapy and hygiene cohort. The majority of interviewees came from schools in England and received a state education. While 69.6% of the BDS interviewees had experience of an interview before their MMI, this was down to 58.3% in the hygiene and therapy interviewees. Binomial statistical calculations and chi-squared tests of independence of categorical variables on nominally scaled data revealed statistically significant differences (p >0.001) and both groups of students were positive regarding the selection process (p >0.001). Overall there was similarity between groups with respect to the themes evaluated and stations used in the MMI process, however, statistical analysis did highlight areas of difference. There were 54 separate free text comments recorded but qualitative analysis failed to identify any themes that had not been previously identified. This research did not reveal any new emergent themes in relation to the MMI process between two different cohorts of students but did reveal general similarities and some specific areas of difference.