Using a situational judgement test for selection into dental core training: a preliminary analysis.

Objective and setting This paper describes the evaluation of a pilot situational judgement test (SJT) for selection into UK Dental Core Training (DCT). The SJT's psychometric properties, group differences based on gender and ethnicity, and candidate reactions were assessed.Methods The SJT targets four non-academic attributes important for success in DCT. Data were collected alongside live selection processes from five Health Education England local teams in the UK (N = 386). Candidates completed the pilot SJT and an evaluation questionnaire to examine their reactions to the test.Results SJT scores were relatively normally distributed and showed acceptable levels of internal reliability (α = 0.68). Difficulty level and partial correlations between scenarios and SJT total score were in the expected ranges (64.61% to 90.03% and r = 0.06 to 0.41, respectively). No group differences were found for gender, and group differences between White and BME candidates were minimal. Most candidates perceived the SJT as relevant to the target role, appropriate and fair.Conclusions This study demonstrated the potential suitability of an SJT for use in DCT selection. Future research should replicate these preliminary findings in other cohorts, and assess the predictive validity of the SJT for predicting key training and practice-based outcomes.

The value of situational judgement tests for assessing non-academic attributes in dental selection.

Situational judgement tests (SJTs) have been shown to be reliable and valid tools for assessing non-academic attributes across numerous healthcare professions. However, within the context of selection into dental foundation training (DFT) in the UK the introduction of an SJT is relatively new. This expert opinion highlights four key considerations regarding the DFT SJT in order to inform further debate amongst researchers and stakeholders. We clarify that SJTs measure non-academic attributes important for success in dental training, and that their context and content must be updated regularly to ensure their relevance, realism and fairness to current applicants. We outline that SJTs are efficient and cost-effective for high volume selection in the long term, in comparison to face-to-face interviews. Finally we summarise the value of practice material being available for high-stakes SJTs, such as the DFT SJT. Implications for practice are discussed throughout.

A qualitative evaluation of foundation dentists' and training programme directors' perceptions of clinical audit in general dental practice.

This study reports on an investigation into clinical audit (CA) educational and service delivery outcomes in a dental foundation training (DFT) programme. The aim was to investigate CA teaching, learning and practice from the perspective of foundation dentists (FDs) and to record suggestions for improvement. A qualitative research methodology was used. Audio recordings of focus group interviews with FDs were triangulated by an interview with a group of training programme directors (TPDs). The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using a 'Framework' approach within Nvivo Data Analysis Software. FDs report considerable learning and behaviour change. However, TPDs have doubts about the long-term effects on service delivery. There can be substantial learning in the clinical, managerial, communication and professionalism domains, and in the development of time management, organisational and team-working skills. Information is provided about use of resources and interaction with teachers and colleagues. CA provides learning opportunities not produced by other educational activities including 'awkward conversations' with team-members in the context of change management and providing feedback. This is relevant when applying the recommendations of the Francis report. This paper should be useful to any dentist conducting audit or team training. Suggestions are made for improvements to resources and support including right touch intervention. Trainers should teach in the 'Goldilocks Zone'.

Clinician and simulated patient scoring - the psychometrics of a national programme recruiting dentists to DF1 training posts.

INTRODUCTION: In 2012 a national, standardised approach was taken to UK Dental Foundation 1 recruitment. Prior to that recruitment method was at the discretion of individual Deaneries. The new national system is interactive, including simulated patients to see how applicants perform in a clinical communication context. A question was whether simulated patient scores could/should be awarded as well as clinicians' scores. This paper presents score data collected in the first round of national DF1 recruitment centres, with focus on how clinical examiners and trained simulated patients rated applicants. METHOD: At the live recruitment events across four national centres score data were collected from observing clinical assessors and simulated patients on the communication station. On this occasion only the clinician awarded scores 'counted', but all simulated patients completed marking sheets to enable the process to be evaluated. Data were retrospectively analysed to test the hypotheses that there would be no significant scoring differences between centres and that inter-rater reliability, by applicant, between paired clinicians, and between clinicians and simulated patients would be strong. RESULTS: Results showed encouraging consistency between assessors, with some differences between centres. Clinicians were more likely to offer a borderline score. In communication analyses empathy had the weakest correlation with the overall score, while professional attitude had the strongest correlation. Data supported the hypothesis that trained simulated patients can be considered as assessors. Their future inclusion offers candidates a dual perspective (clinical and non-clinical) on performance, and saves clinical time.Discussion Simulated patients scored consistently and value can be added by including different perspectives in interactive assessment. Robust training is needed in all assessor training. CONCLUSION: Simulated patients can usefully contribute to scoring in national dental recruitment centres. Lessons learned here can inform other dental assessments where stakeholders are already using, or considering using, simulated patients as assessors or co-assessors.

The effectiveness of routine dental checks: a systematic review of the evidence base.

AIMS: To systematically review the effectiveness of routine dental checks of different recall frequencies in adults and children. METHODS: Search methods included electronic bibliographic databases up to March 2001, relevant internet sites, citation checking and contact with experts and professional dental bodies. INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) STUDY DESIGN: any; (2) POPULATION: deciduous, mixed and permanent dentition; (3) INTERVENTION: 'Routine dental check': 'clinical examination, advice, charting (including monitoring of periodontal status) and report' as defined in the NHS Executive General Dental Service Statement of Dental Remuneration; (4) Comparator: no routine dental check or routine dental check(s) of different recall frequency; (5) PRIMARY OUTCOMES: caries, periodontal disease, quality of life, oral cancer. RESULTS: Twenty eight studies were identified for the review. Studies were poorly reported and clinically heterogenous which restricted comparison between studies and limited generalisability to the UK situation. There was no consistency across multiple studies in the direction of effect of different dental check frequencies on measures of caries in deciduous mixed or permanent dentition, periodontal disease or oral cancer in permanent dentition. No studies were identified linking empirical measures of quality of life associated with oral health and dental check frequency. CONCLUSIONS: There is no existing high quality evidence to support or refute the practice of encouraging six-monthly dental checks in adults and children.

The use of a classification of residential neighbourhoods (ACORN) to demonstrate differences in dental health of children resident within the south Birmingham health district and of different socio-economic backgrounds.

This study was undertaken to evaluate variations in the dental health of children living within fluoridated South Birmingham, using a classification of residential neighbourhoods (ACORN) as a descriptor of socio-economic status, and to evaluate the change in these differences over time. Five-year-old children were examined as part of the rolling programme of epidemiological surveys co-ordinated by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD) in 1987 and 1989/90. The ACORN classification of each child was determined from the postal code of the home address. ACORN groups were amalgamated into three ranked divisions. There was a variation in dental health both in 1987 and 1989/90; children from disadvantaged groups had the poorest dental health. There was more marked variation in 1987 than in 1989/90. The reduction in inequality during this period was due to a relatively greater improvement in the dental health of the children from the more socially deprived areas.

Prevalence of dental enamel defects in 6, 7 and 8-year-old children resident in West Bromwich, Sandwell, UK.

Prompted by a parent's concern about the enamel defects of his daughter's teeth, the present study surveyed a sample of 6-8-year-old children using a modified developmental defects of enamel index. The aim was to establish the prevalence of such defects in permanent teeth of children in West Bromwich and to investigate differences according to social class or ethnic origin. Results showed that the mouth and tooth prevalence of enamel defects in Sandwell were not higher than those reported in similar studies. Analysis revealed no statistical significance between the tooth or mouth prevalence of defects according to the social class of the child although significant differences were found between children of Asian and non-Asian origin. A greater prevalence of diffuse defects was found among non-Asian children, conversely there was a greater prevalence of demarcated defects among Asian children. Recommendations are made in relation to the conduct of future studies of a similar kind with regard to the number of teeth examined, the presentation of reproducibility results and the evaluation of the cosmetic appearance of the teeth.