Relationship of selection criteria to subsequent academic performance in an Australian undergraduate dental school

• Published in: European journal of dental education 2013-02, Vol.17 (1), p.39-45
• Main Authors: Mercer, A., Abbott, P. V., Puddey, I. B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Achievement; Admission criteria; Analysis of Variance; Aptitude Tests; Australia; College students; dental education; Dental schools; Dental students; Dentistry; Educational Measurement - methods; Female; Gender differences; Higher education; Humans; Interviews; Interviews as Topic; Linear Models; Male; predictive validity; Predictor variables; School Admission Criteria - statistics & numerical data; Schools, Dental - organization & administration; Schools, Dental - statistics & numerical data; selection of dental students; Students, Dental - statistics & numerical data; University entrance examinations; University of Western Australia; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1396-5883; 1600-0579
• DOI: 10.1111/eje.12005

In 1998, in addition to previous academic achievement, an aptitude test, the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) and a structured interview were introduced into selection for the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), the undergraduate dental course at the University of Western Australia. This study determines the relationship between the combination of school-leaver dental students' entry scores, some demographic characteristics and subsequent student performance in the undergraduate course. Three hundred and ninety-eight school-leavers who enrolled in the BDSc from 1999 through 2011 were studied. Regression models were constructed comprising entry scores, gender and age as predictors in relation to subsequent academic performance. The main outcome measure was the weighted average mark (WAM) for each of five academic year levels as well as results in specific units, defined as either 'knowledge' based or 'clinically' based. Of the variables studied, previous academic performance and female gender had the strongest relationship with yearly WAM for Years 1 through 4 and for both 'knowledge' based and 'clinically' based units. The interview score showed a strong relationship in the major clinical years and in a range of 'clinically' based units. UMAT scores were less consistent in relationship to WAM. These results support assessment through a highly structured interview together with prior academic achievement as an evidence-based approach to selection of students for this undergraduate dental course. [Author abstract, ed]