- Joined
- Feb 5, 2018
- Messages
- 17
- Reaction score
- 2
Hi all,
Reaching out to the community to gain some clarity. I'm a bit down as graduation comes closer and I feel overwhelmed that I may have missed my chance to do something I really love.
I am currently a 4th year student, less than 20 percentile, ~3.5 GPA.
I'm interested in OMSF, I only discovered this after doing our OS rotation (just basic EXT and other dentoalveolar procedures) which was late into third year. I had never considered it prior or any other speciality but the first time I raised a flap and held onto an elevator I knew I felt differently about this (cheesy I know).
Some other reasons I really enjoy OS is because there is a medicine component that unfortunately most dental programs do not touch on these days. Obvious the more invasive procedures you do, the more knowledge you must acquire in this field. I actually even considered applying to medical school after obtaining my DDS, but I still really do love dentistry. I have thought to myself that it's something I can just read and pursue in my own time but I once had a convo with the PD of our program and they said "realistically you lose what you don't use." I really felt that because it's true, I would like to be immersed in that subject matter everyday I'm working.
The reason I didn't perform well is not 'because I never wanted to specialize' (although I didn't), or just didn't care. I went through some big life changes that I almost quit dental school because of it. I ended up taking about a month off of school instead of deferring for the year but I struggled a lot. (if it's relevant to explain what that is I can elaborate). I'm not sure if this would resonate with any PDs though because I understand residency is grueling and they may disregard that as someone who is generally just weak.
I haven't seen any trauma cases in the OR because I am embarrassed to express my interest to the PD or other folks. But I had thought in the past of applying for an externship.
Some other options related to surgery I have considered that may be realistic (not trying to say these aren't difficult to achieve or diminish the field, but just want to be realistic)
Currently I think the best plan of action is to do a GPR (which would buy me a year and hopefully give me more exposure and increase speed and knowledge).
I was also thinking of starting to study for the CBSE once I'm finished with the INBDE and using the rest of 4th year + GPR to study. Realistically I imagine doing avg or no more than slightly above. I have heard of folks with my rank getting into OMFS with like a 99th percentile CBSE, but unsure about my abilities to do that if I'm in school or a GPR while studying.
I would also love to hear folks opinions on taking a year off or working part time in private practice to dedicate the rest of my time to preparing for the CBSE. Does this look bad to PDs? In one way I could see it shows your commitment but in another way I can see maybe they would be concerned about your ability to manage several things at once. I have never understood why working private practice and going back to residency is frowned upon as some folks are just not qualified applicants at the time of graduation and private practice can allow more flexibility to better yourself. It can also help in saving some money to offset the cost of the lack of income during residency.
If I did all these things and then applied for a non-cat year (poor rank, avg CBSE, GPR + non-cat year), would this be a reasonable application or realistically are my chances shot?
In Summary I'm asking:
1. Are my reasons for wanting to go into OMS valid ones that would resonate with program directors? I'm not sure if this sounds silly but I do really love helping people and I love the technical skill and knowledge that comes with the field.
2. With my current situation what's the realistic route to OMS, if any?
3. If OMS might be out of reach, what would be a good career choice for someone wanting to enjoy at least dentoalveolar surgeries or delivering profound anesthesia?
I'm sorry if this was a long one, I appreciate the community always helping out hopeful healthcare providers and hope to return the favor some day myself.
Reaching out to the community to gain some clarity. I'm a bit down as graduation comes closer and I feel overwhelmed that I may have missed my chance to do something I really love.
I am currently a 4th year student, less than 20 percentile, ~3.5 GPA.
I'm interested in OMSF, I only discovered this after doing our OS rotation (just basic EXT and other dentoalveolar procedures) which was late into third year. I had never considered it prior or any other speciality but the first time I raised a flap and held onto an elevator I knew I felt differently about this (cheesy I know).
Some other reasons I really enjoy OS is because there is a medicine component that unfortunately most dental programs do not touch on these days. Obvious the more invasive procedures you do, the more knowledge you must acquire in this field. I actually even considered applying to medical school after obtaining my DDS, but I still really do love dentistry. I have thought to myself that it's something I can just read and pursue in my own time but I once had a convo with the PD of our program and they said "realistically you lose what you don't use." I really felt that because it's true, I would like to be immersed in that subject matter everyday I'm working.
The reason I didn't perform well is not 'because I never wanted to specialize' (although I didn't), or just didn't care. I went through some big life changes that I almost quit dental school because of it. I ended up taking about a month off of school instead of deferring for the year but I struggled a lot. (if it's relevant to explain what that is I can elaborate). I'm not sure if this would resonate with any PDs though because I understand residency is grueling and they may disregard that as someone who is generally just weak.
I haven't seen any trauma cases in the OR because I am embarrassed to express my interest to the PD or other folks. But I had thought in the past of applying for an externship.
Some other options related to surgery I have considered that may be realistic (not trying to say these aren't difficult to achieve or diminish the field, but just want to be realistic)
- Perio- however I want to do more dentoalveolar procedures that are not quite offered in most programs such as routine 3rd molar EXTs
- Anesthesia- very different than any other dental field but would certainly give me the medical background I'm seeking. Some cons to this are limitations on scope (I have been reading after residency you don't provide anesthesia for certain procedures like neuro, OBGYN, cardio). I do also really enjoy working with my hands so need to make a decision on that.
Currently I think the best plan of action is to do a GPR (which would buy me a year and hopefully give me more exposure and increase speed and knowledge).
I was also thinking of starting to study for the CBSE once I'm finished with the INBDE and using the rest of 4th year + GPR to study. Realistically I imagine doing avg or no more than slightly above. I have heard of folks with my rank getting into OMFS with like a 99th percentile CBSE, but unsure about my abilities to do that if I'm in school or a GPR while studying.
I would also love to hear folks opinions on taking a year off or working part time in private practice to dedicate the rest of my time to preparing for the CBSE. Does this look bad to PDs? In one way I could see it shows your commitment but in another way I can see maybe they would be concerned about your ability to manage several things at once. I have never understood why working private practice and going back to residency is frowned upon as some folks are just not qualified applicants at the time of graduation and private practice can allow more flexibility to better yourself. It can also help in saving some money to offset the cost of the lack of income during residency.
If I did all these things and then applied for a non-cat year (poor rank, avg CBSE, GPR + non-cat year), would this be a reasonable application or realistically are my chances shot?
In Summary I'm asking:
1. Are my reasons for wanting to go into OMS valid ones that would resonate with program directors? I'm not sure if this sounds silly but I do really love helping people and I love the technical skill and knowledge that comes with the field.
2. With my current situation what's the realistic route to OMS, if any?
3. If OMS might be out of reach, what would be a good career choice for someone wanting to enjoy at least dentoalveolar surgeries or delivering profound anesthesia?
I'm sorry if this was a long one, I appreciate the community always helping out hopeful healthcare providers and hope to return the favor some day myself.
Last edited:
