Residents' Perceptions of the Graduate Endodontic Application Selection Process and Match.

Introduction: Anecdotal reports suggest that the application process for graduate endodontic programs in the United States and Canada is inefficient and may be perceived by applicants as being unfair. This survey examines residents' perceptions of the graduate endodontic application process and related issues.

Methods: A web-based survey consisting of 24 questions on the residents' perception of the graduate endodontic application process was developed and e-mailed to 403 graduate endodontic students in the United States and Canada.

Results: Of the 403 invited participants, 218 surveys were completed (53%). The responses were varied. Respondents were not overwhelmingly satisfied with the application/interview/selection process; 45% were satisfied or very satisfied, 25% were neutral, and 30% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Only 39% indicated that they would have preferred a Match process. Eighty-two percent accepted the first program that offered a position, and 79% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their choice of a program.

Conclusions: Forty-five percent of endodontic residents were satisfied with the application/interview/selection process, and most would not have preferred a Match process.