title: Applicant selection procedures in endodontic specialty programs in the United States: program director's perspective.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to determine the criteria evaluated by directors of endodontic specialty programs in the United States when selecting their residents and their satisfaction with the current process. Besides this, the study also aimed to determine the expected effect of the change in National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) score reporting to pass/fail on applicant evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 38-question web-based survey was distributed to the 54 endodontic specialty program directors (of 55 programs) in the United States. Questions regarded general program information, information obtained from applications, the interview process, the decision process, a retrospective view of the selection process, and director demographics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six (48.1%) responses were returned and analyzed. The most important application factors were interview ratings, dental school class rank, and general practice residency or advanced education in general dentistry experience. The most preferred sources for letters of recommendation were endodontic pre- and postdoctoral program directors and other academic endodontists. Desirable applicant characteristics included enthusiasm, listening skills, and verbal skills. Program directors indicated concern regarding the initial screening of applicants after the NBDE scoring change but not as much concern relating to final selection. Respondents generally supported a uniform acceptance date but did not support participation in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (the Match).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some important criteria when selecting prospective residents were identified. Program directors did not appear overwhelmingly concerned with the changes in NBDE score reporting. In addition, the establishment of a uniform acceptance date may resolve the biggest problem most respondents have with the current selection process.
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Western Springs, Illinois. Electronic address: ltbell@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Logan T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Cortino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sukotjo
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Judy Chia-Chun
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Bradford R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D003657:Decision Making; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008005:Licensure, Dental; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000379:methods*; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D014481:United States
keywords: Application; Match; National Boards; endodontic residency; program director; ranking; selection; survey