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Development and Outcomes of an Online‐Onsite Hybrid Dental Admissions Enhancement Pilot Program
Author(s) -
Hanson Carrie L.,
Van Ness Chris,
GadburyAmyot Cynthia C.,
Crain Geralyn
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2014.78.10.tb05819.x
Subject(s) - disadvantaged , interview , medical education , dental education , psychology , professional development , medicine , sociology , political science , anthropology , law
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.