Can you talk about the 4 yr vs 6 yr route for OMFS?
The 6 year route (The one I'm undertaking) includes a variable amount of time to attain and license a medical degree (M.D.) The 4 year option does not include this extra time. Mandatory rotations for OMS residencies include at least 30 months of OMS rotation and 5 months of anesthesia. Some portion of the remainder of the months are taken up by off service rotations or more OMS.
6 year programs tend to have more off service rotations (General surgery) to license the M.D. and 4 year program tend to have more time on OMS, but there are exceptions on both ends.
My program has 32 months OMS, 8 months general surgery, 1 month neurosurgery, 1 month ENT, 5 months anesthesia with the remainder being medical school (Which includes a total of 4 months of breaks
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What kind of opportunities do you give up going the 4 year route? What doors does the 6 year route open up?
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In short, not much. The majority of new academic surgeons in the country are dual-degree surgeons and it will likely stay this way as fellowships close their doors to single degree applicants. This is likely also do the the low interest level of single degree surgeons in pursuing academic careers but after a point the intention becomes moot.
At some point in our lifetime, dual-degrees will be required to obtain a full time academic position.
However, a minority of surgeons, dual degree or otherwise, practice this way. A 6 year program opens you up to fellowship training, however, which can open the doors to more advanced cosmetic surgery training. The legality of performing cosmetic surgery in some states is also dependent on having the MD degree but it's wildly variable.
Can you practice as a physician with your MD or is it not the same? (not that you would want to, just curious)
The M.D. is identical to any other US obtained M.D. We pass all the same levels of licensure as every other US physician. You could legally practice medicine if you desired (and obtained proper residency training in the medical specialty of your choice). OMS residents in the past have jumped ship to other medical specialties, usually anesthesia.
How did you know you had the hand skills for OMFS; were you superior to majority of your classmates in clinical technique?
Honestly, the hand skills required for OMS are not as intricate as those needed for regular, restorative dentistry or endo. If you can master those you can be assured you'll be able to master the skills you need to be proficient in OMS.
I'd say my hand skills in dental school were above average but nothing spectacular.