Predicting and assessing performance in Canadian dental schools : the Canadian Dental Association interview, personality, and a behaviourally anchored rating scale

Abstract

Using a sample of students from 2 Canadian Dental Schools, this study continues an examination of the validity of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) interview and a measure of personality in the prediction of clinical and academic performance in dental school. This is the second study to examine the validity of the new CDA interview and to evaluate the use of a behaviourally anchored rating scale (Chamberlain et al., in press) as a method for assessing professional behaviour in the clinic. Results from the personality measure indicated that Conscientiousness adds to the prediction of both academic and clinical performance in the first three years of dental training; Openness and Agreeableness predicted second year clinical performance. Narrow facets also predicted performance criteria. BARS ratings were associated with Conscientiousness, Neuroticism and narrow facets of these factors. Contrary to previous research with the new CDA interview, the interview predicted third year clinical performance; however, it did not add to prediction beyond the DAT.