Traditional versus virtual interviews: A perspective of paediatric dentistry program directors and residents

COVID-19 pandemic restrictions necessitated changes in conduct of the interview process for the selection of candidates in paediatric dentistry residency programs.

To examine the experiences and attitudes of paediatric dentistry program directors and residents regarding the virtual interview process during the 2020/2021 application cycle.

A survey was sent to 82 directors and 416 postdoctoral members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry with data collected from individuals interviewed during the 2020/2021 cycle.

Response rates for directors and residents were 27% (N = 22/82) and 17% (N = 72/416), respectively. Seventy-three percent of directors (N = 16) believed that virtual interviews were not an adequate substitute for in-person interviews and made it difficult to present facilities, observe applicant interactions, and assess personality. Fifty-nine percent of the directors (N = 13) were not interested in using virtual interviews if restrictions were lifted. Residents reported that virtual interviews were accommodating but were unable to observe interpersonal interactions, assess the location and facilities, and understand the program culture. Sixty-one percent of residents (N = 44) prefer to interview in-person.

The majority of program directors (73%) felt that virtual interviews could not substitute for in-person interviews and 59% would not be interested in using virtual interviews in the future. Residents (94%) reported inability to evaluate the location and facilities, and 61% prefer to interview in-person for future interviews.