Using short simulated video interactions to assess communication insight in dental undergraduate selection

Background and Aim:<br/>Effective communication is a core competency for dental professionals. Traditional Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) assess various competencies, but there are limited validated tools to specifically capture applicants’ insight into communication behaviour. We developed and implemented a novel video-based MMI station using short, scripted simulated interactions to assess candidates’ interpretive and reflective communication insight.<br/>Method:<br/>Two 90-second video scenarios were developed depicting dentist-parent interactions varying in communication quality (‘Good Communication’ and ‘Poor Communication’). After each video, candidates were asked one question: ‘If you were the patient in this interaction, what would your experience have been and what impact do you think it would have had on your future behaviour(s) as a dentist?’ The station was integrated into the Centre for Dentistry’s’ standard dental selection MMI process over two admissions rounds. Alongside scoring for reliability, we administered a candidate feedback questionnaire (anonymised, voluntary) to evaluate acceptability, clarity, perceived fairness, and realism of the station.<br/>Results<br/>Qualitative feedback suggests high perceived realism and value in assessing communication reasoning beyond clinical knowledge alone. Quantitative feedback items indicate candidates found the station clear and fair; early analysis also suggests differentiation in candidate responses aligning with overall MMI performance. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed insights into candidates’ understanding of empathy, active listening, and shared decision-making.<br/>Conclusions:<br/>Video-based simulated interactions can enhance assessment of communication insight in the dental undergraduate selection process. This approach is practical to deliver, well received by candidates, and provides a clear, structured way to assess reflective communication skills that are directly relevant to professional practice.<br/>