Dental School Interviews Manual Dexterity: The Complete Guide

Manual dexterity can be assessed in a number of different ways and will vary between each dental institute:
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1. Verbal discussion
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   In some cases, the assessor (either in a panel or at a specific station in the multiple mini interview format) will directly ask the candidate how they have demonstrated or employed the use of fine motor hand skills in their own lives (whether it be through playing an instrument, painting or various other practical activities which require attention to detail, careful considered movements and a marriage of an active cognitive thought process to the execution of a subsequent coordinated physical movement). The question may be asked based on points mentioned on a pre-interview form or introduced as an impromptu discussion and in these cases, having a keen or ready insight to oneself and how one’s past-times can be demonstrative of tactile proficiency as well as being able to communicate this understanding and relate it to the demands of clinical dentistry works in the applicant’s favour.
   
   
2. Presentation of Evidence for Manual Dexterity (+ Discussion)
   
   Alternatively, applicants may be asked to show what they have brought to illustrate manual dexterity and this is often coupled with a discussion regarding the practical element of the dental undergraduate training programme. Common examples of evidence in this capacity include intricate model replicas (such as piece by piece fine detail model aeroplanes), cross stitch or embroidery, lippan art or artwork of various different media, origami, electric circuits or woodwork etc. The evidence could be from extra-curricular activities or from a practical skills based school subject such as Design Technology (Resistant Materials, Textiles, Electronics etc.) If applicants find the actual item may be too large to bring to interview, they can always include a series of pictures in the form of a portfolio to present and discuss with the assessor.
   
   
3. Active Demonstration of Manual Dexterity
   
   The third means of assessing a candidate’s manual dexterity is through a practical exercise conducted at the time of interview itself and this is the most common means of assessment in a multiple mini interview format. Examples of such exercises include threading a needle with sewing thread, bending a malleable wire into a specific shape, wire control exercise, building a small structure with Lego or transferring beads from one small container to another using tweezers or a fine instrument. During the exercise, the assessor is likely to either:
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• Simply observe how the applicant approaches the task and follow up with a short succeeding analysis to evaluate how effectively candidates are able to reflect and exhibit self-awareness when undertaking a practical task (what went well, what did not go well, what would they do differently if they were to repeat the task) or
• Questions may be asked simultaneously while the applicant is undertaking the task (either to walk through the logical steps being taken in approaching the task and assess how systematic and calculated an applicant is in their approach or to see how the applicant performs under the pressure of undertaking a motor skill whilst maintaining effective communication).