(PO-100) Dexterity Examinations as a Preadmission Criterion in Dental Hygiene Programs

Author: Loretta M. Mariano, RDH, D.H.Sc – Assistant Professor, Farmingdale State College
Submitter: Loretta M. Mariano, RDH, D.H.Sc – Assistant Professor, Farmingdale State College



Objectives: This phenomenological research study examined the perceptions of dental hygiene program department chairs surrounding dexterity examinations as a preadmission requirement. The primary purpose of this study was to identify how dexterity examinations are used as a criterion for preadmission into dental hygiene programs, to identify challenges and obstacles associated with their use, and to determine if dexterity examinations are perceived as a valid and reliable tool to assess the fine motor skills of dental hygiene applicants.


Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect rich data from eight participants from different United States regions.


Results: After performing a thematic analysis, several themes emerged surrounding the use of dexterity examinations as a preadmission criterion: participants knowledge of dexterity examinations, obstacles with implementation, positive impacts of implementation, student applicants have a lower level of dexterous ability, and perceived validity and reliability as an evaluative tool to assess the fine motor skills of applicants. Results revealed reasons precluding programs from using dexterity examinations as a preadmission requirement which included: admissions, a large number of applicants to screen, and historical reasons. Programs that do use dexterity examinations as a preadmission requirement were able to offer guidance for other programs communicating their methods of implementation and the positive impacts administering dexterity examinations has had on their department. Positive impacts included identifying the dexterous ability of applicants, ease of use to administer, and reducing program attrition rates.


Conclusion: The results of the study uncovered insights and perspectives of dental hygiene program department chairs as to the use, feasibility of implementation, validity, and reliability of dexterity examinations. This study has brought new information and knowledge to the discipline of dental hygiene education. and laid the foundation for future studies surrounding dexterity examinations and their ability to add additional methods of assessment to current preadmission criteria.