Advantage of doing a DDS/MS dual degree for specializing

[KillaCam]

I am very intersted in doing my school's MS in Oral Biology in addition to my DDS during the 4 years. I plan on integrating the MS throughout my 4 years at UCLA so that I can pursue some intensive research while taking some additional classes out of my own self interest and graduate with my class rather than taking a year off to concentrate on the MS.

I also would like to do a specialty, although I am not set on which one yet (leaning twoards OMFS). Do you think that having the MS would be advantageous for getting into ortho, perio, or OMFS? Also, I noticed that many ortho and some perio programs require resident to get a MS during their residency......If I already have it in Oral Biology, does that mean that I could waive that part of the curriculum and get the ortho or perio certificate earlier than projected?

Lastly, do any of you know anyone who has done the dental and MS at the same time and know what they thought about it?

Any insight would be helpful.......

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[KillaCam]

I'm going to do it anyways. Thanks for the help

 

[uclaDDS101]

I'm going to do it anyways. Thanks for the help

Good. You SHOULD do it anyway. I was going to do it when I thought I was going there. And it's great that they let you do it in 4 years. At HSDM, they make you take at least one year off if you want to do any other additional degree (or even if you just want extra time to do more research)

 

[KillaCam]

Yeah it's too good of a deal to pass up! I'm not concerned about the workload and I do like doing intensive research so it only makes sense to do it. I had considered doing the PhD as well but taking 3 years off to complete it and then specialize (which I hope to do= maybe 6+ years OMFS) is a longer timeline than I was hoping. But then again by having all 3 degrees you can have access and do things that no other person can do. That's a future......

At HSDM, do you have required research as part of the curriculum?

 

[noles]

some future indeed..with all 3 degrees you will have access to debt that no other person will have!

 

[mike3kgt]

But then again by having all 3 degrees you can have access and do things that no other person can do. That's a future......

Including A WAY TO PUSH THE MOON!!!! Wow!!!!

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/03/the_10_most_impossible_feats_of_he-man.php

 

[amalgamator42]

I'd suggest talking to your departments to know if they'd waive anything since you already have the MS. (I doubt it, usually they want you to do research in your field)

Are you planning on staying in academics? Not sure if the MS is really worth your time...I did research in dental school and that was looked at favorably, but getting a concurrent MS is kinda silly. Now doing the PhD would be a really great idea if you want to stay in academics...I have a few friend that did this and it was looked at very favorably...

That 10 year loan forgiveness with public service, might be just perfect for you! Please tell me you are doing this ot stay in academics, otherwise it's probably a waste of time in private practice.

Take home message, you need to discuss all this with the administration and faculty, not here on SDN, but I'd do the DDS with some research experience, and then apply for a specialty and do a phD simultaneously. This is the most common way of getting advanced degrees in dental academics I believe....