The value of situational judgement tests for assessing non-academic attributes in dental selection

Abstract

Situational judgement tests (SJTs) have been shown to be reliable and valid tools for assessing non-academic attributes across numerous healthcare professions. However, within the context of selection into dental foundation training (DFT) in the UK the introduction of an SJT is relatively new. This expert opinion highlights four key considerations regarding the DFT SJT in order to inform further debate amongst researchers and stakeholders. We clarify that SJTs measure non-academic attributes important for success in dental training, and that their context and content must be updated regularly to ensure their relevance, realism and fairness to current applicants. We outline that SJTs are efficient and cost-effective for high volume selection in the long term, in comparison to face-to-face interviews. Finally we summarise the value of practice material being available for high-stakes SJTs, such as the DFT SJT. Implications for practice are discussed throughout.