Hey everyone,
I graduated DS in 2016. Was on track for omfs. Long story short, an urgent and very difficult family matter that began during D3 ultimately brought me home for two years following graduation. Worked as a GP—love my patients, but obviously don’t love the work. It allowed me to be there for my family emotionally and financially during a difficult period of time. However, my goals have not changed— I want to be an oral surgeon. I’m sitting for the CBSE August 18th and planning an application for next year. (2018-2019).
Some basic info—went to P/F ivy DS. Took my first CBSSA from the NBME last weekend—scored a 60. That obviously needs to improve quite a bit over the next six months.
I’ve been in contact with programs regarding internship positions for next year. I understand that having been in private practice will not look good, and therefore an internship is one way to mitigate that. I also genuinely want to begin working in the omfs field as soon as possible. However, without a CBSE score in hand it’s difficult for programs to evaluate my candidacy, and I can certainly understand that. I am hoping for the best, and will continue to email / call / etc into the spring. Also, it probably goes without saying that the CBSE has consumed my life for the past few months and will continue to do so until Aug 18. Other than working, I’ve literally become a hermit.
If anyone has advice on applying as a general dentist, or just any advice at all, I would really appreciate it. Some specific concerns:
1. Can a general dentist match without having done an intern year, provided that externships have been completed?
2. If an internship does not work out, what would be the next best option? GPR? Research in omfs?
3. Is anyone aware of programs that will take general dentists as observational externs? Have been having issues with this, presumably because of liability concerns.
Thank you all so much—really appreciate any and all guidance.
I graduated DS in 2016. Was on track for omfs. Long story short, an urgent and very difficult family matter that began during D3 ultimately brought me home for two years following graduation. Worked as a GP—love my patients, but obviously don’t love the work. It allowed me to be there for my family emotionally and financially during a difficult period of time. However, my goals have not changed— I want to be an oral surgeon. I’m sitting for the CBSE August 18th and planning an application for next year. (2018-2019).
Some basic info—went to P/F ivy DS. Took my first CBSSA from the NBME last weekend—scored a 60. That obviously needs to improve quite a bit over the next six months.
I’ve been in contact with programs regarding internship positions for next year. I understand that having been in private practice will not look good, and therefore an internship is one way to mitigate that. I also genuinely want to begin working in the omfs field as soon as possible. However, without a CBSE score in hand it’s difficult for programs to evaluate my candidacy, and I can certainly understand that. I am hoping for the best, and will continue to email / call / etc into the spring. Also, it probably goes without saying that the CBSE has consumed my life for the past few months and will continue to do so until Aug 18. Other than working, I’ve literally become a hermit.
If anyone has advice on applying as a general dentist, or just any advice at all, I would really appreciate it. Some specific concerns:
1. Can a general dentist match without having done an intern year, provided that externships have been completed?
2. If an internship does not work out, what would be the next best option? GPR? Research in omfs?
3. Is anyone aware of programs that will take general dentists as observational externs? Have been having issues with this, presumably because of liability concerns.
Thank you all so much—really appreciate any and all guidance.
Last edited: