Dentist applying for OMFS after a years out of Dental School

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Are there any current dentists that have worked private practice and decided to apply to OMFS or have been accepted to OMFS programs in the past?

I taught at my dental school for 2 semesters, then went private practice for a year and applied during that year. Did not match last year and the private practice was a concern. If I was serious about OMS then why didn't I do a GPR/Internship? Needless to say, I'm getting some hospital experience this year and applying again.

We have two residents who were in the same situation. One of them practiced for 5 years and then applied. He did not match the first year and did an internship. He now has matched. The other matched after 3 years of practice. He also had to do an internship before he matched.

I personally think that it is a plus because you have that much more experience making decision on your own and treating patients on your own. Obviously it is not treating the same things as OMFS does but some of those diagnostic skills and pt. management skills will carry over.

OMFS residency is much more focused on you making decisions on your own and being able to manage most situations. The attendings do not want to be holding your hand the whole time so if you are confident and make good decisions you are going to do much better than someone who is not.