title: Development and outcomes of an online-onsite hybrid dental admissions enhancement pilot program.
abstract: The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry has piloted two years of an Admissions Enhancement Program (AEP) with students from underrepresented minority groups and/or economically disadvantaged areas of Missouri interested in applying to dental school. The AEP utilizes an innovative online-onsite hybrid format to elevate students' foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative reasoning. The online component includes interaction with UMKC instructors using tablet technology and Wimba virtual classroom sessions. The onsite component engages students in academic and professional development, enrichment activities targeting skills training, experience in dental labs and clinics, and mentoring in preparing the dental school application, essay writing, and interviewing. Results to date indicate overall program satisfaction among AEP participants and a dental school acceptance rate of 73.7 percent (14/19 students). Participants reported the mock interviews and essay-writing portions contributed to their becoming competitive candidates for the admission process, and the online material enhanced their preparation for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Pre- and post-AEP data show participant DAT Academic Average scores increased by two points. The school will continue to monitor program participants in subsequent years.
authors.affiliation: Prof. Hanson is Associate Clinical Professor and Director, Admissions Enhancement Program, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Van Ness is Research Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Gadbury-Amyot is Professor and Associate Dean, Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; and Dr. Crain is Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, Educational Support and Faculty Development, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. hansoncl@umkc.edu.
authors.forename: Carrie L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hanson
authors.affiliation: Prof. Hanson is Associate Clinical Professor and Director, Admissions Enhancement Program, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Van Ness is Research Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Gadbury-Amyot is Professor and Associate Dean, Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; and Dr. Crain is Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, Educational Support and Faculty Development, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Van Ness
authors.affiliation: Prof. Hanson is Associate Clinical Professor and Director, Admissions Enhancement Program, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Van Ness is Research Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Gadbury-Amyot is Professor and Associate Dean, Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; and Dr. Crain is Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, Educational Support and Faculty Development, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.
authors.forename: Cynthia C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Gadbury-Amyot
authors.affiliation: Prof. Hanson is Associate Clinical Professor and Director, Admissions Enhancement Program, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Van Ness is Research Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Dr. Gadbury-Amyot is Professor and Associate Dean, Instructional Technology and Faculty Development, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; and Dr. Crain is Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, Educational Support and Faculty Development, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.
authors.forename: Geralyn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Crain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001077:Aptitude Tests; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000193:education; D002621:Chemistry / Q000193:education; D003740:Dental Clinics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007754:Laboratories, Dental; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics / Q000193:education; D008611:Mentors; D008913:Minority Groups; D008923:Missouri; D009862:Online Systems; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D012575:Schools, Dental; D013335:Students, Dental; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D014956:Writing; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: dental education; dental school admissions; dental students; hybrid methodology; minority applicants; online learning