Characteristics of applicants who obtain interviews at orthodontic postgraduate programs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate applicant credentials that are associated with receiving interviews to postgraduate orthodontic programs.


METHODS
Twenty-two variables incorporating academic, work, and personal characteristics of 68 applicants were analyzed using a mailed questionnaire survey and data from application files. Applicants were grouped into categories based on the number of interviews reported.


RESULTS
Statistically significant associations were identified between interview category and: age, number of programs applied to, grade in orthodontic course, grade point average, scores from part 1 of the national dental board exam, academic honors, research, recommendation letter from orthodontic faculty, general practice residency, work experience, and community service.


CONCLUSIONS
Programs are interested in rounded, well-balanced individuals who excel at more than one thing. Cumulative grade point average and orthodontic work experience were the most significant.
Ardeshna
Anil P
AP
Department of Orthodontics, New Jersey Dental School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07101, USA. ardeshap@umdnj.edu
Fong
Courtney A
CA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000193:education*; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult