Too late for oral surgery switch?

I currently just started my 4th year in dental school, and am actually in the process of applying to another speciality (have gotten interviews for later this month). I have been interested in oral surgery since before I even started dental school, but I didn't really commit because I thought my wife was not too thrilled with such a long residency. We've talked about it a lot lately, and it turns out she's not nearly as averse to the idea as I originally though. Is it too late to switch to oral surgery (Obviously I'm not referring to this application cycle)? What could I do in the next year or two to make me a competetive candidate? I've heard GPRs aren't the greatest, but it seems like it's way too late to do an oral surgery internship. Any ideas? Thanks.

It's not too late to apply for 2008 entering class, but since you didn't do anything towards surgery thus far, you probably won't have too good of a chance getting interview this year even if you applied. But it's never too late to prepare your application for 2009.

One, you can sign up for couple of "externships" (3 weekers) during your last year of dental school (Xmas vacation, spring break) to see if OMFS is what you really want. If it is, then at least you'll have externship(s) to list on your CV when you apply. Then, once you graduate, instead of GPRs, apply for an OMFS "intership" for 2008-2009, they're one year paid (~$40K) training program and it will look very good on your application for 2009.

By the way, how are you Part 1 board scores and your class ranking? If they're mediocre, then you'll have a harder time, but if they're great, then you'll be golden after one year of "internship"!

It's never too late, just got to start planning! Oh, I would skip and forego the "other" specialty that you're applying right now. Save that potential spot for others that really wants that specialty. It's not fair for the program either if they want you and you aren't 100% sure what you want to do.

Good luck. OMFS is fun and it's worth it.

Thanks for the reply. Boards are 92, and no class rank at my school. When would applications be due for internships in 2008-2009...and how hard are they to get into?

canthacklt said:

Thanks for the reply. Boards are 92, and no class rank at my school. When would applications be due for internships in 2008-2009...and how hard are they to get into?

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Your 92 boards is good! OMFS internships are not difficult to get in at all! Usually all it takes is a phone call to a program of your choice. LSU OMFS in New Orleans has a great internship program, they took 4 interns this year (2007-2008) above the 4 regular resident spots because there are that much to do!

No matter where you apply for an internship, they will need the basics just like applying for a residency spot:

3 letters of recommendation
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Statement
Dean's Recommendation
Official Board scores
Offical dental school transcript

Just find out where you and your wife would like to go for a year and see if that city or state has an OMFS residency program. If there's an OMFS program, then the likelihood of that program offering an internship is pretty good. Be warned though, not all OMFS programs offer internships, but most do, especially big time programs down south (Parkland, LSU programs, etc.)

You sound like a perfect candidate for an OMFS internship for 2008-2009. Make your phone calls tomorrow!👍

Hi
What About 87 In Part1 For Omfs Course
Should I Redo
What Minimum Score Should I Get If I Redo To Apply In This Course

canthacklt said:

Thanks for the reply. Boards are 92, and no class rank at my school. When would applications be due for internships in 2008-2009...and how hard are they to get into?

Click to expand...

Dude, don't apply for an internship. Apply for a residency spot. If you dont get in then worry about an internship. Internships blow. You get treated like a peasant and it wastes a year of your life.

doc_amu said:

Hi
What About 87 In Part1 For Omfs Course
Should I Redo
What Minimum Score Should I Get If I Redo To Apply In This Course

Click to expand...

Worry more about getting accepted to a US dental school first. Very few (none?) of the OMFS programs will accept residents without an American dental degree.

rrc said:

Dude, don't apply for an internship. Apply for a residency spot. If you dont get in then worry about an internship. Internships blow. You get treated like a peasant and it wastes a year of your life.

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You can also apply after the match comes out for an internship. The scramble for post match spots and internships can get hectic.