Rethinking The Dental Hygiene Admissions Process To Include Evaluation Of Working Hands

Abstract The typical dental hygiene school admissions committee regularly considers an applicants intellectual potential to succeed upon entrance into the program. Since hands-on ability is considered an asset in the dental profession this research investigates the applicants clinical potential by way of three very specific hands-on assessment tests. Each applicant was given a hands-on test consisting of the OConner Tweezer Dexterity Grooved Pegboard and Symbol Digit modalities following the standardized guidelines. The main findings suggest the best indicator of passing the clinical boards is the pre-clinic course grade and the best indicators of success in the pre-clinic course are the OConner Tweezer Dexterity and Symbol Digits Modalities assessment tests. This displays some rationale for selecting a student with better-hands on ability prior to starting the program and can be done by way of these assessment tests.