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Perio is not hard to get into. Several people in my class who were well into the bottom half got in without issue, and had many interviews. They also had no research or many extracurriculars to speak of
 
Racquetball3r said:
Perio is not hard to get into. Several people in my class who were well into the bottom half got in without issue, and had many interviews. They also had no research or many extracurriculars to speak of
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How long ago was this? Match stats for this year, it looks like a LOT more people took the opportunity to apply compared to the last few cycles. If this comes off as contrarian that isn't my intention, I'm actually asking for the purpose of information gathering, not a whole lot of recent info on any forums regarding perio.
 
I applied this year and I would say perio is actually very competitive! Long time ago, yes.. perio was not that competitive but recent years perio became competitive. Now for your situation, first of all you still have time to boost that GPA. Second, show interest! The CoVID situation hopefully will get better so you can go to the perio department to shadow or volunteer. GPR after dental school is highly recommended as well. Good luck 🙂
 
Blueshirts said:
How long ago was this? Match stats for this year, it looks like a LOT more people took the opportunity to apply compared to the last few cycles. If this comes off as contrarian that isn't my intention, I'm actually asking for the purpose of information gathering, not a whole lot of recent info on any forums regarding perio.
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It’s definitely true that perio has gotten more competitive over the years, but the number of total people who applied this cycle was actually only 7 more than last year.

You can find the graphs here: Dental Match | Statistics of the Match
 
PerioPlease said:
Hey everyone!
So I am just finishing up the first half of D2, and looking at my GPA I’m a little worried for my chances at possibly applying to perio programs. I always had a huge interest and we had our first Perio class this semester and it secured that for me, I got an A as well!

but.. my first D1 semester I had to basically move home and parent my middle-school aged siblings as my parents shirked their duties due to a messy divorce (helping with homework, driving to school and activities, etc) This led to me not doing as well in classes and ending with a 2.75 GPA. The next semester I did a lot better (3.6) but, with COVID my school switched to Pass/Fail so it was not able to improve my GPA. This semester online classes were an adaption so I look like I’m going to end up with a 3.1 or so. My school also does not show us our class rank. I am unable to do much shadowing/volunteering because everything is shut down where I live. And my school is not allowing us to participate in any research, again due to COVID. So my opportunities to showcase myself outside my GPA are very limited. Do you have any advice on what I can do to improve my chances. I know Perio typically doesn’t require you to have the highest GPA, but I’m still worried.

Thanks!
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If you get in somewhere, be prepared to spend 300k for the degree. It's like applying for dental school all over again. High rank candidates get stipends, low rank candidates may or may not get in, but if they do they get into private schools that charge out the a***

With that said, some of these high cost institutions, i.e. BU, have phenomenal training opportunties bc they have all the latest technology thanks to your dollars.
 
periopocket said:
If you get in somewhere, be prepared to spend 300k for the degree. It's like applying for dental school all over again. High rank candidates get stipends, low rank candidates may or may not get in, but if they do they get into private schools that charge out the a***

With that said, some of these high cost institutions, i.e. BU, have phenomenal training opportunties bc they have all the latest technology thanks to your dollars.
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As far as you are aware, do you know if programs prefer candidates who live within the same region, eg, northeast/southeast/midwest/west? Or does everyone have an equal shot? I'm from the northeast but if possible would prefer to end up in the midwest or southeast
 
Saddleshoes said:
One year in a GPR out shines a mediocre GPA.
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I’m also interested in pursuing perio or pros speciality, but graduated in the bottom 1/3 of my class. Since I did not complete an AEGD/GPR, does working a few years make up for my lack luster grades? Any other tips you can suggest since I am already working (ie no research opportunities, not able to work with faculty, etc). Thank you.
 
Blueshirts said:
How long ago was this? Match stats for this year, it looks like a LOT more people took the opportunity to apply compared to the last few cycles. If this comes off as contrarian that isn't my intention, I'm actually asking for the purpose of information gathering, not a whole lot of recent info on any forums regarding perio.
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2 years ago
 
Blueshirts said:
As far as you are aware, do you know if programs prefer candidates who live within the same region, eg, northeast/southeast/midwest/west? Or does everyone have an equal shot? I'm from the northeast but if possible would prefer to end up in the midwest or southeast
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As far as I've seen and understand, a lot of programs prefer out of state students bc they can charge extra tuition and they don't inherently create additional competition for themselves by you practicing in the same town.

Sometimes its more competitive to get into your own state programs for that very reason.

Although every program has different goals.
 
Rathe1990 said:
I’m also interested in pursuing perio or pros speciality, but graduated in the bottom 1/3 of my class. Since I did not complete an AEGD/GPR, does working a few years make up for my lack luster grades? Any other tips you can suggest since I am already working (ie no research opportunities, not able to work with faculty, etc). Thank you.
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After speaking with my PD, perio favors candidates right out of school, so they don't have to untrain and re-train students.

Research and AEGD/GPR are things that can enhance your application.

But being out for 10 years will hurt your application.

But in the end some program out there will accept you as long as you are willing to foot the bill.

Cheaper or stipend based programs
Are not as forgiving.
 
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periopocket said:
After speaking with my PD, perio favors candidates right out of school, so they don't have to untrain and re-train students.

Research and AEGD/GPR are things that can enhance your application.

But being out for 10 years will hurt your application.

But in the end some program out there will accept you as long as you are willing to foot the bill.

Cheaper or stipend based programs
Are not as forgiving.
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Flip side of the coin, my PD favors the individual candidates as a whole. They look at the entire application and not just GPA. How do you have a GPA cutoff for interviews if you graduate from a pass/fail school? My program is diverse with new grads as well as candidates who have been in practice for some years and yes even 10 yrs. My program offers a stipend. Do as best as you can marks wise in school, but it is not the end all be all.
 
PerioPlease said:
Hey everyone!
So I am just finishing up the first half of D2, and looking at my GPA I’m a little worried for my chances at possibly applying to perio programs. I always had a huge interest and we had our first Perio class this semester and it secured that for me, I got an A as well!

but.. my first D1 semester I had to basically move home and parent my middle-school aged siblings as my parents shirked their duties due to a messy divorce (helping with homework, driving to school and activities, etc) This led to me not doing as well in classes and ending with a 2.75 GPA. The next semester I did a lot better (3.6) but, with COVID my school switched to Pass/Fail so it was not able to improve my GPA. This semester online classes were an adaption so I look like I’m going to end up with a 3.1 or so. My school also does not show us our class rank. I am unable to do much shadowing/volunteering because everything is shut down where I live. And my school is not allowing us to participate in any research, again due to COVID. So my opportunities to showcase myself outside my GPA are very limited. Do you have any advice on what I can do to improve my chances. I know Perio typically doesn’t require you to have the highest GPA, but I’m still worried.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Having a high GPA helps in the sense that your application gets reviewed more seriously. With all things equal, if a program receives many applicants that have a high GPA, they will likely interview the higher GPA candidates. However, sometimes exceptions are made. For example, if you extern at a couple of programs that you are interested it, and the residents and faculty think you are a good fit (you are on your best behavior, interactive, getting along with people etc.) the program might be willing to overlook the lower GPA (to a certain extent). Not sure how externships are working these days, but it might be worthwhile to see if you can visit some programs in your 3rd year. Some externships require a certain GPA threshold to get in though. So, try your best to pull that GPA up as much as possible.
 
periopocket said:
If you get in somewhere, be prepared to spend 300k for the degree. It's like applying for dental school all over again. High rank candidates get stipends, low rank candidates may or may not get in, but if they do they get into private schools that charge out the a***

With that said, some of these high cost institutions, i.e. BU, have phenomenal training opportunties bc they have all the latest technology thanks to your dollars.
Click to expand...
@periopocket

just curious now that you are out would you pay 300k for perio tuition? Let's assume very minimal d school debt, say 150k. putting you at 450 total.
 
blablabla1 said:
It’s definitely true that perio has gotten more competitive over the years, but the number of total people who applied this cycle was actually only 7 more than last year.

You can find the graphs here: Dental Match | Statistics of the Match
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Interesting to see the changes in those graphs for this year. Seems like a number of specialties had a significant spike (10-20% ish) in number of applicants.
 
I would be in the top 1/3 of your class for Perio. And be ready to drop $150k or less at the more competitive programs and $200k for the less competitive programs. If you are going to be in $300k or more from dental school I would advise against doing a specialty that requires tuition because the ROI is not very good. You would have a better ROI for GP ownership.
 
vcl238 said:
Having a high GPA helps in the sense that your application gets reviewed more seriously. With all things equal, if a program receives many applicants that have a high GPA, they will likely interview the higher GPA candidates. However, sometimes exceptions are made. For example, if you extern at a couple of programs that you are interested it, and the residents and faculty think you are a good fit (you are on your best behavior, interactive, getting along with people etc.) the program might be willing to overlook the lower GPA (to a certain extent). Not sure how externships are working these days, but it might be worthwhile to see if you can visit some programs in your 3rd year. Some externships require a certain GPA threshold to get in though. So, try your best to pull that GPA up as much as possible.
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Lots of programs are not hosting externships this cycle. Helps me save some money lol. But I do hope they have some kind of virtual tour.
 
P7898 said:
I would be in the top 1/3 of your class for Perio. And be ready to drop $150k or less at the more competitive programs and $200k for the less competitive programs. If you are going to be in $300k or more from dental school I would advise against doing a specialty that requires tuition because the ROI is not very good. You would have a better ROI for GP ownership.
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Interesting, I'm beginning to look at the numbers now out of curiosity. I know you do your research thoroughly, so I'm going to assume that those numbers are total amounts including tuition/fee (less stipends if applicable) + cost of living + loan interest?

And a general question for anyone who wanders onto this thread, do perio residents have the ability to moonlight on weekends or is it generally frowned upon or nearly impossible with the work load?
 
Blueshirts said:
Interesting, I'm beginning to look at the numbers now out of curiosity. I know you do your research thoroughly, so I'm going to assume that those numbers are total amounts including tuition/fee (less stipends if applicable) + cost of living + loan interest?

And a general question for anyone who wanders onto this thread, do perio residents have the ability to moonlight on weekends or is it generally frowned upon or nearly impossible with the work load?
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Workload varies from program to program. My perio residency did not allow moonlighting and honestly, we didn't have the time to work. Residency was busy enough and there was never enough time. I know some programs do allow moonlighting though. So, check with the programs directly and ask the current residents if it is even feasible.
 
Blueshirts said:
Interesting, I'm beginning to look at the numbers now out of curiosity. I know you do your research thoroughly, so I'm going to assume that those numbers are total amounts including tuition/fee (less stipends if applicable) + cost of living + loan interest?

And a general question for anyone who wanders onto this thread, do perio residents have the ability to moonlight on weekends or is it generally frowned upon or nearly impossible with the work load?
Click to expand...

Yeah I am applying in May 2021 so I have spread sheets lol. The $150k price includes living, etc (did not calculate loan interest) however the loan interest is on the principle amount that you take our each year. Which for anything you should look at the total amount of debt - not just tuition and like I said - those are the competitive programs... "luckily" for me I am about $130k of debt when I am done with school so it is not "too crazy" for me to add on to that. In addition, I will be under the $224k government amount so my interest will stay at less than 6.5% for the majority of my schooling minus maybe the last year of Perio if I have to take out more.

Good question about moonlighting. I have talked to perio residents about that and it seems to have mixed answers of yes and no. Obviously I think it comes down to how busy you are in your program and if you have time to do such much like anything else.
 
Blueshirts said:
Interesting, I'm beginning to look at the numbers now out of curiosity. I know you do your research thoroughly, so I'm going to assume that those numbers are total amounts including tuition/fee (less stipends if applicable) + cost of living + loan interest?

And a general question for anyone who wanders onto this thread, do perio residents have the ability to moonlight on weekends or is it generally frowned upon or nearly impossible with the work load?
Click to expand...
You should have plenty of free time to moonlight on Saturdays (if your program allows). If you are in CA, there are some offices that hire associates to work on Sundays. These part time jobs will give you the opportunity to learn how to handle difficult surgical extraction cases. And when you finish your training, many of these GP owners will invite you back to do in-house perio for them. If there is a prosh progam in the same building, you should spend your free time there to learn from the prosth residents as much as possible. Some programs require the perio residents to teach the dental students.....be nice to these students because you will need referrals from them in the future.
 
charlestweed said:
You should have plenty of free time to moonlight on Saturdays (if your program allows). If you are in CA, there are some offices that hire associates to work on Sundays. These part time jobs will give you the opportunity to learn how to handle difficult surgical extraction cases. And when you finish your training, many of these GP owners will invite you back to do in-house perio for them. If there is a prosh progam in the same building, you should spend your free time there to learn from the prosth residents as much as possible. Some programs require the perio residents to teach the dental students.....be nice to these students because you will need referrals from them in the future.
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What would you suggest trying to learn from prosth residents?

My perio residency doesn't have a prosth program, but definitely interested in learning as much as I can.
 
PerioDont said:
What would you suggest trying to learn from prosth residents?

My perio residency doesn't have a prosth program, but definitely interested in learning as much as I can.
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Learn how to take impressions for implant crowns, implant supported dentures, implant supported bridges etc. Learn how to adjust provisional restorations (ie stayplate) and reline existing the dentures after dental extraction and immediate implant placement. Learn about esthetic stuff like wax setups, shade selection, tooth emergence profile etc. These will help you a lot especially when you do in-house perio at GP offices. Don’t assume that most GPs know how to restore implants. Many GPs have limited knowledge about implants. It’s very important to treatment plan properly prior to implant placement. Some patients have poor bone quality and insufficient bone thickness, which prevent you from placing the ideal maximum number of implants. There are cases that the implant fails to integrate…..so you have to be able to come up with an alternative restorative plan for the patients. Don’t assume after you place the implants and get paid, your job is done. Have to keep the restorative dentists happy.
 
Hello! I am a D2 and have a GPA at 3.75. I want to know if I have a chance at getting into a period or endodontics residency? What else do they look at besides GPA and INDBE scores?
 
Koominator20 said:
Hello! I am a D2 and have a GPA at 3.75. I want to know if I have a chance at getting into a period or endodontics residency? What else do they look at besides GPA and INDBE scores?
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yep you definitely have a chance. research, ECs. start shadowing. talk to specialists at your school and start building a network.
 
2 people from my dental school class applied to perio and both got in. We were pass/fail, so no GPA for them. Both did have to remediate at least 1 course in dental school though. I'm not sure if that shows up on record. Both also were not involved in any extracurriculars aside from perio club membership and did no research.
I think there is a pretty broad spectrum of perio programs. Some are basically all foreign grads and super expensive. Others are much more competitive and less expensive. The quality of training can vary pretty broadly too. I know the first year perio guys at the program I'm at (OMFS) tell me they don't do any procedures until second year. They do get to do quite a few implants and soft tissue procedures by the end though. On the other hand, I've heard of other programs where the training is quite extensive.
 
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