The IMPT Assessment Interview Board (AIB)

A question that had arisen on several occasions in the past concerned the efficacy of the IMPT application process. This question was thrown into sharper focus during the 1990s as the Institute sought to formalise our voluntary register and obtain statutory regulation for all UK Maxillofacial Prosthetists.

As the IMPT tentatively explored the requirements of state registration; while at the same time approaching UK regulatory bodies and other government agencies; concerns were raised as to some IMPT procedures then in place (or not in place). One of these concerns was the (then) protocol for assessing applications from individuals applying to join the IMPT at Full Membership level.

The issue of membership applications was raised yet again in 2000 as the IMPT began formal negotiations with the GDC; this to allow Maxillofacial Prosthetists to register under the Professions Complimentary to Dentistry (PCD) initiative.

During 2001 Council drew up a blueprint for a formal process that would appraise all applications for Full Membership (MIMPT) of the IMPT in an open and fair manner, without fear or favour. This process involved meeting applicants face to face and asking for evidence of their competence to practice. This procedure was termed the Assessment Interview Board (AIB) by Council.

Following further discussion in Council; consultation with senior members of our Institute, after taking legal advice the concept of the AIB was introduced to the membership at an Annual General Meeting. The format and function of the AIB was discussed and then decided upon. The formalisation and make up of the AIB was led by the (then) Honorary Registrar, Terry Sharpe MIMPT.

Intention of the Assessment Interview Board is as follows-

1. allow a face to face meeting for confirmation of identity
2. allow examination of (original) qualifying certifications
3. provide an overall assessment of an individual’s application for Full Membership
4. permit an applicant to ask any question regarding IMPT membership

AIB Update 2007/2008

When I became the new Honorary Registrar it was decided that the AIB needed to be revised a little to give applicants and Members more clarity of the process, how decisions were made and minutes of all future Boards. Leading to a more transparent process.

The first step was to introduce a question and marking scheme to be completed by the three panel members. Each panel member submits six questions, and must chose four out of this six for each applicant. The reason not all applicants are asked the same question is to prevent questions being passed on outside the AIB. Once questions have been selected each question is given a maximum mark of five points. (This gives a total score 180 points). Each panel member then marks all questions asked and adds comments on their score sheet. This system also shows up any great disparities between panel members. These are added together and a final mark calculated. A score of 108 is required, giving a pass mark of 60%. After the informal questions, applicants present their case portfolios, log book and any other evidence of competency.

At present this seems a fair and clear process that if challenged provides evidence of what questions were asked, comments noted by panel members and minutes of the Board. Feedback has taken place from the last few AIB meetings and previous AIB candidates canvassed on their opinion of the process. This has been very useful in prompting the changes outlined below.

One of the main feedback issues was that the case portfolio does not count towards the overall mark of the AIB. By the AIB October / November 2008, a system will be in place to give the case portfolios a marking scheme that will be part of the overall score.

To those of you who are about to or are thinking of sitting the AIB in 2008, please carry on with the process that has been outlined to you. The new format will only apply to those applicants who have been appraised of the new process.

Those of you that heard Adrian’s enlightening presentation at the Leeds2007 IMPT conference please do not be put off. We do try to put you at ease and we want to get the best out of you. All of us find examinations and interviews daunting. The AIB process is there to help you show the hard work you have put into becoming an MPT. When you apply you will have met a vigorous set of standards required for full membership. We want you to become full members of the IMPT not intimidate you.

All previous positive and negative comments have been taken onboard and changes have been made to the process. These have been piloted to senior MPT’s and have been ratified at council. These are outlined below.

AIB Update Dec 2007

Portfolio; New Format (in addition to Interview and above scoring scheme)

The portfolio should contain a minimum of one case study in four of the following areas. Each case study must include clinical photographs or digital images with written evidence that demonstrates the applicant’s practise under minimal supervision post qualification in Maxillofacial Prosthetics:

1. Craniofacial deformity (i.e. surgical planning; Osteotomy; congenital craniofacial deformity planning, cleft lip and palate devices)
2. Maxillofacial Prosthetics (i.e. obturators, implant retained oral prosthesis, dressing plates or trauma splints.)
3. Facial Prosthetic Rehabilitation (i.e. Implant or adhesive retained auricular, orbital, nasal or ocular prosthesis.)
4. Body prosthetics (i.e. Nipple-areola, breast, leg, arm or finger prosthesis.)
5. Deep buried Implants (i.e. Cranioplasty, facial, chest, eyelid or condular.)
6. Dynamic Splint Therapy (i.e. keloid, burns, hand or complex intra oral splints.)
7. Other (i.e. micro pigmentation, cosmetic camouflage or complimentary services.)

The examples above are just a small number of the devices and options available under each category. If you require clarification please contact the IMPT Honorary Registrar.

1. Certificates of conferences and seminars attended.
2. Evidence of reflective practice.
3. Log book

45 marks for each case study which is to be submitted on a read only compact disk (CD). Each CD will be duplicated four times by the candidate and submitted to the Registrar. The Registrar will send one to each AIB panel member before the AIB for marking.

This system rewards all the effort put into the case study portfolio. It allows you to showcase your work. It is also an opportunity for those candidates that are intimidated by an interview style situation to get across their practical abilities. The AIB is not an assessment of your presentation skills, but of your ability as an MPT.

If you have any questions regarding any of the new changes please contact me.

Matt Pilley

Hon Registrar