ABSTRACT
Trainers are responsible for vocational dental practitioner (VDP) recruitment. In order for a dentist to be eligible to undertake vocational training, he or she must possess a qualification registrable with the General Dental Council. If the practice has a current VDP, some trainers have felt it an advantage to include a recommendation from that person, and offer interviewees an opportunity to discuss the post with the incumbent VDP on an informal basis. Many VDPs have reported their experience of the interview process and it has been the view of a sizeable number that many interviews lacked organisation and structure. The objective measurement of general intelligence and special aptitudes is difficult at interview unless the candidate has exceptional qualities that come to light during the course of the interview. The halo effect occurs when the interviewer recognises one particular characteristic in the applicant and allows it to bias the remainder of the interview.
