Survey of Dental Anesthesiology program directors' preferences regarding the candidate application and interview process.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Dental Anesthesiology recently gained specialty recognition in 2019. Program directors' preferences for candidates applying to this newly recognized specialty are not well known. This study sought to assess these preferences by surveying the program directors of advanced dental education programs in Dental Anesthesiology. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The survey consisted of eleven questions on candidate qualities, academic application criteria, standardized examinations, shadowing, externships, sedation experience, and interview format. RESULTS: The survey achieved a response rate of 100% with all nine program directors completing the survey. The study found that program directors tended to rank integrity, interpersonal/communication skills, assumes responsibility, team player, and reliability among the top five candidate qualities. Program directors tended to rank professional evaluations, institutional evaluations, externship, shadowing (a practicing anesthesiologist), and standardized tests among the top five academic application criteria. Program directors largely preferred differentiating candidates with a standardized examination, such as the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) or the creation of a new examination specific for Dental Anesthesiology application. Program directors largely recommended shadowing and externships but were largely indifferent to a candidate's experience or certification in sedation. All nine program directors opted for virtual interviews in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this descriptive, cross-sectional study may have significant implications for the candidate application and interview process into the field of Dental Anesthesiology.

Is the Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) the Metric Needed to Assist with Postgraduate Admissions? Two Viewpoints: Viewpoint 1: The ADAT Provides a Viable Solution to Help Postgraduate Programs Differentiate Applicants and Viewpoint 2: The ADAT Has Questionable Utility and Value for Postgraduate Admissions.

In 2012, when the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) was changed from a numerical scoring system to pass/fail, advanced dental education programs lost a metric widely used for differentiating applicants to those programs. The American Dental Association (ADA) has developed the Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) to address this issue. Implementation of the ADAT began in 2016 with a pilot program, which has not yet been widely accepted in the overall admissions process. This Point/Counterpoint explores the benefits and challenges of using the ADAT for postgraduate admissions. Viewpoint 1 supports use of the ADAT, arguing that the test provides a viable, long-term solution to this immediate need. In contrast, Viewpoint 2 questions the need for and appropriateness of this additional academic measure for postgraduate admissions.