What Predicts Performance in Canadian Dental Schools?

Abstract

The task of selecting the best dental applicants out of an extremely competitive applicant pool is a problem faced annually by dental faculties. This study examined the validity of both cognitive and noncognitive factors used for selection to Canadian dental schools. Interest in personality measurement and the prediction offered by personality measures has escalated and may be applied to the selection of dental candidates. Therefore, the study also assessed whether the addition of a personality measure would increase the validity of predicting performance beyond that achieved by an interview and the Dental Aptitude Test. Results suggest that an interview may be useful in identifying specific behavioral characteristics deemed important for success in dental training. Consistent with previous research, results show that the Dental Aptitude Test is a good predictor of preclinical academic success, with prediction declining when clinical components of the program are introduced into the criterion. Results from the personality measure indicated that Openness to Experience was significantly related to aspects of clinical education, although, contrary to expectations, this relationship was negative. A facet of Openness, Ideas, together with Positive Emotions, a facet of Extroversion, improved prediction of performance in clinical studies beyond that provided by the Dental Aptitude Test and the Interview. Implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations regarding the admission process to Canadian dental programs are offered.Ms.

Is There a Correlation Between Students’ Performance in Dental Anatomy and Performance in Operative Dentistry?

“…The prediction of first year soap carving grades did not account for more than 10 % of the variance of the clinical performance in fourth and fifth years. These results are in agreement with other studies that stated that manual dexterity texts and chalk carving explain 5-7 % of variance (Smithers et al, 2004). Moreover, the grade of fourth-year practical Operative Dentistry explained about 40 % of variation in the grade of fifth-year practical Operative Dentistry.…”

An audit of cavity and crown preparations and two direct restorations carried out by foundation dentists in the Oxford and Wessex Deaneries

“…5 These workers surmised that this may have been as a result of the increasing clinical component as the student progresses, with the relationship between academic record and clinical performance not being clearly defined. 6,7 Similar difficulties in prediction of the FDs' performance in a clinical exercise may therefore exist. Another useful analysis might be to evaluate performance in the present audit with that of the FDs' national recruitment assessment score, which specifically excludes an assessment of clinical skills.…”

High School Grade, English Language Proficiency and Computer Skills as Predictors of Performance Over Five Years of Dental College: Analysis and Interpretation

“…Croen et al 16 attributed this finding to the similar environment of assessments and outcome measurements, which they felt afforded higher predictive validity. The most significant finding from this study is the admission decisions based on measures related to cognitive abilities and academic performance in undergraduate work will for the most part predict academic success in dental school Smithers et al 17 The purpose of the admissions committee is to select the best candidates from a qualified applicant pool. If these candidates were able to demonstrate that they would be able to graduate from dental college within the recommended time then the task of the admissions committee would be simplified.…”