Today, I’m sure many of you received the ADEA email about the ADAT. Although sparse on details as usual, there were a couple of interesting insights. First, it looks like there will be a period of testing versus specific test dates. According to the video ADEA posted (embedded below), the test will be offered from May 16, 2016 until August 31, 2016. It’s not certain if this is for the pilot year, or if it will be this way for all future administrations. This is starkly different from the CBSE administration where all test takers for a specific test sat on the same day. The advantage of the CBSE method is that it reduces cheating and more accurately compares candidates, assuming they all have the same questions. Some questions that arise then are: Does everyone receive the same test or is there a question bank from which tests are randomly generated? Also, how are scores scaled? Is it based off of their overall performance on the test or are questions individually scaled? If the ADA treats it anything like the CBSE, we may never know.
One of the other announcements I found interesting was that they would be charging $35 for each official report in addition to the test fee of $350. We already knew that this test was going to be more expensive initially, but now it just looks like highway robbery. If OMFS programs begin to move to this test, which at this point is doubtful but unknown, get ready to spend a lot more money applying if individual programs all want an official copy. Which brings us to the question of which programs will be pilot programs? ADEA says that there are 300 postgraduate programs that will be participating in the 2016 pilot. Since the CBSE is already in place for OMFS, there are probably few programs, if any, that will require it. However, with pressure from the ADA, there will probably be a few that at least accept, but not require it.
Lastly, it looks like you will not be able to only report your highest score with the ADAT. A huge advantage to OMFS applicants is that you can take the CBSE as many times as you like and only report your highest score. With the ADAT, gone are the days of the “trial run.” Although you may also take the ADAT as many times as you want, having every score reported only adds to the pressure of scoring well. Also, your score is only valid for 2 years, so don’t expect to take it really early and be done. Because this is a new test and there are no preparation materials for it yet, it looks like the first round of test takers will be going in blind. ADEA said they will be releasing a preparation guide, but I wouldn’t hold your breath for a USMLE First Aid type of study material.
Unfortunately, but expectantly, change is underway. How it will affect the application process for oral and maxillofacial surgery is yet to be determined. In February when the application for the ADAT is opened and a list of participating programs are released, I’ll make sure to update this page. In the meantime, for more ADAT details check out the ADAT page and the released ADEA ADAT video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BHRBlwr_2w
Updated 2.3.16
Yesterday, I received feedback from a reader indicating that they had emailed an AAOMS representative. The message is displayed below. Looks like we’ll have the CBSE for the foreseeable future. To the reader that sent me the info, thank you!
