Postdoctoral periodontal program directors' perspectives of resident selection.

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Periodontics
• Postgraduate Training

Background:

• Postdoctoral periodontal program applications are rising.
• The National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) now uses a pass/fail system.
• Understanding program selection criteria is crucial for applicants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify evaluation criteria used by U.S. accredited postdoctoral periodontal programs.
• To assess the impact of the NBDE's pass/fail format on applicant selection.
• To gather demographic data on program directors.

Main Methods:

• Survey distributed to all 54 U.S. accredited postdoctoral periodontal program directors.
• Data compilation and descriptive statistical analysis.
• Tabulation and ranking of results.

Main Results:

• A 64.8% response rate (35 out of 54 directors).
• Top selection factors: interview ratings, dental school clinical grades, periodontics grades, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
• 94% require interviews; 86% use committees for final decisions. 56% believe the NBDE pass/fail format will affect selection.

Conclusions:

• Interview performance and academic records are key for periodontal program admissions.
• The shift to a pass/fail NBDE may alter program selection processes.
• This research offers valuable insights for prospective periodontal program applicants.