Benefits of virtual externships with a pediatric dentistry program for potential residents

To determine if a virtual externship (VE) is beneficial to potential applicants regarding their perceived knowledge of a pediatric dentistry residency program. Secondarily, this study identified general program characteristics that influence resident ranking decisions.

All applicants who applied to a pediatric dentistry residency program in the Southeast were invited to participate in a VE. Those who participated in the externship (n = 65) were asked to voluntarily complete Pre- and Post-VE surveys. Participants were asked 22 questions about their level of knowledge of both tangible and intangible aspects of the program such as stipend, patient volume, faculty-resident interaction, and resident comradery. Participants were also asked to rank 9 general characteristics that influence ranking decisions such as geography, cost to attend, and reputation of the program and were asked to rate their satisfaction with the VE. Post-VE data were compared to pre-VE data to determine level of knowledge gained via Wilcoxin matched pairs signed rank test (significance set at p < 0.05).

When comparing Pre- and Post-VE ratings of level of knowledge about each category, all 22 categories assessed showed statistically significant mean differences indicating perceived knowledge gain with the most knowledge gained for "resident satisfaction in the program." Of the nine program characteristics, clinical experience was the most important factor to participants. Participants (100%) were satisfied with the VE experience and indicated the VE gave them the opportunity to get to know the program.

A virtual externship is a satisfactory option for increasing applicant knowledge of the tangible and intangible aspects of a residency program.