key: cord-0014457-cii37zk4
authors: Myers, Dayna Dawley; Covington, John Stansill; LaRue, Emily
title: Pandemic mandated changes to dental candidate interviews at UTHSC College of Dentistry
date: 2020-12-05
journal: J Dent Educ
DOI: 10.1002/jdd.12502
sha: 439a8bb9d9baf14cc9296c513299dea52a0ac2c9
doc_id: 14457
cord_uid: cii37zk4

nan

The 2020-2021 Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) application cycle has opened, and there are no more in-person candidate interviews. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dictated virtual interviews. We considered 3 applicant selection options that do not require face-to-face interaction with the applicant and 3 virtual interview formats.

The Admissions Committee members discussed the following interview replacement options and the 3 virtual interviews. The committee chose a single 1-on-1 recorded Zoom interview with review by 2 additional Admission Committee members. First, we scheduled 3 interviewers and 18 candidates, 1 interviewer for 6 candidates. Next, we sent interview invitations to the candidates and requested a reply. If the candidate wanted to proceed with the interview, we sent a formal invitation, including appointment time, format details, and Zoom information. Interviewers received applications for their 6 applicants.

At the appointed time, the candidate joined the 30minute "Welcome" virtual meeting with the 3 Admissions Administrators (A1, A2, and A3). A2 (D.M.) welcomed the candidates and highlighted details about the program. A1 (J.S.C.) introduced the candidates and interviewers and reviewed the admissions protocol. A3 (E.L.) oversaw the entire procedure. Figure 1 describes the timetable for each session. During the first 15 minutes, the interview took place. During the second 15 minutes, interviewers made their comments, recommendations for further consideration, and reviewed the next application.

The interview evaluation follows the American Association of Medical Colleges' Holistic Review Experiences-Attributes-Metrics (EAM) model. 3 

When shadowing, what did you like and dislike about the experience?

What did you take away from the community service/outreach experiences in which you participated?

Describe yourself in 1 word.

Name 3 characteristics or traits you believe a DDS should possess and why.

Professionalism-in their interview actions and information found in the Admissions PPT.

Communication skills-during the interview as well as in their responses stated in the application

Review letters of recommendation-note character traits mentioned in the letters (positive and/or negative):

Review the app. life experiences-Has this app. experienced obstacles they had to overcome in order to get to this point?

Has the applicant participated in comm. service opportunities that expose them to underserved populations?

Review socioeconomic status-Did the app. experience financial hardships, have to work to help support the family, etc.?

Professionalism: Review the recorded interview-in your opinion, does the applicant display adequate knowledge of the dental profession? Professional responsibility in helping others?

Communication skills-during the interview as well as their responses in the application, is it your opinion that the applicant can easily communicate their thoughts?

(Continues) For a recommendation other than "Accept," the interviewer noted the rationale and recorded their decision in the application's "Interview" section. A3 (E.L.) placed the interview-recording link in the "Notes" section of the application as each interview concluded. Two additional committee members then reviewed the applications and the recorded interviews. They entered their recommenda-tions in the "Review" section. Table 2 lists the interview questions and evaluations.

We rehearsed this new interview process and corrected the few technical issues. We found the interviewers need a ZOOM Pro account in order for the interview schedule to flow smoothly. The Admissions Committee decided to proceed with this new protocol.

A 1-on-1 recorded Zoom interview with subsequent review by 2 additional Admissions Committee members was determined to be the best platform for this cycle.

Altus

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