Virtual Interview Day: An AEGD's approach and assessment of interviewing during a pandemic

A novel approach to interviewing for Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency positions became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. An efficient, virtual interview schedule, including video faculty introductions and clinic tour, was devised and executed to replace in-person interviews. The purpose of this study was to describe and assess this new way of managing virtual interviews.

Forty virtual interviews were conducted via a web-based videoconferencing platform. Interviewers and applicants received surveys to be anonymously completed after interviews. The applicant survey gauged how helpful each component of the interview process was in their program ranking decision. The interviewer survey assessed time and knowledge needed for interviewing, clarity of instructions, and if they felt valued.

The response rate was 79% for applicants and 75% for interviewers. There was a high level of satisfaction from both applicants and interviewers. All interviewers reported that the team worked well together, instructions were clear, there was enough collective knowledge to answer questions, and they felt valued. There was a majority of positive responses for clarity of instructions and time with applicants. All applicants responded positively to correspondence with the Admissions Office, interview day instructions, informational PowerPoint, and sessions with the chief resident and program director. Regarding videos of faculty and clinic tour, there was a majority of positive responses. There were varying responses regarding the interview team being fair and nonthreatening. Lessons learned include reviewing on-camera behavior with interviewers, detailing the interview format in applicants' correspondence, requesting applicants photos in advance, allowing interviewers more time to study applicant material, and hosting a virtual happy hour for applicants and residents before the interview day.

Overall, the Virtual Interview Day successfully achieved the goals of applicant and program rank selection. Virtual interviews can be considered an alternative to in-person interviews.