Assessing resident selection criteria and performance outcomes in an orthodontic residency - a retrospective study

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between resident selection criteria and performance outcomes in an orthodontic residency. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional review of applications and residency performance of thirty orthodontists who graduated from 2007 to 2011 was conducted. Subjective and objective resident selection criteria were compared with measurable outcomes of resident performance.Results: Both undergraduate GPA and the quantitative Graduate Record Exam score were inversely associated with the orthodontic residency GPA. The National Board Dental Exam part I microbiology/pathology subscore was negatively associated with financial productivity from two years of patient treatment. Dental school class rank was positively associated with both the first year exam and faculty evaluation at the end of the program. Dental school GPA was positively associated with scores on the outcome case presentation but negatively associated with the mean change in faculty evaluations from the beginning to the end of the program. Conclusions: While some significant associations may exist between objective resident selection criteria and orthodontic resident performance criteria, the predictive value of many of the subjective criteria (i.e. letters of recommendation, personal statements, etc.) was largely undetermined by our small sample.