Anyone else struggling to rank?

[Toothfairy0805]

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Is anyone out there struggling to rank programs for match? I was not invited to any interviews in my geographic preference (to be close to family) so ranking based on location is off the table. I really liked 4 programs that I interviewed with, but no program offers every single thing I am looking to learn in a program, and each program would provide a completely different life for myself and my family and a completely different training experience. I would be very happy with any of these 4 but if I do match at one, I don’t want to think “what if” about the others.

Any tips, advice?

 

[Svart Aske]

Why don't you talk to the current residents? Which director/faculty did you like the best?

 

[Toothfairy0805]

Me too! Although, I'm having trouble determining if I should stay in my "home" state or go somewhere new. Does anyone think that there is an advantage of doing a residency in the state you eventually want to practice in?

I would think there is an advantage based on alumni network, possible contacts/connections you can make while in residency, etc. That is why I was hoping to get a residency in the state where my family lives. I’d be interested to hear others’ responses to this question!

 

[charlestweed]

Me too! Although, I'm having trouble determining if I should stay in my "home" state or go somewhere new. Does anyone think that there is an advantage of doing a residency in the state you eventually want to practice in?

Yes, there are several advantages:

1. With a dental license in your state, you can moonlight to earn extra cash if your program director doesn’t mind.

2. Some university base programs make you teach the dental students. Try to make friends with the dental students because some of them will be your future referrers.

3. It’s easier to find jobs before completion of your residency. I did my ortho residency in another state so I had to fly back to my home state 3 times for job interviews at corp and private offices. And at one of the interviews, the person who was supposed to interview me didn't even show up. Luckily, I got 3 P/T job offers (with a total of 22 work days/month) 2 months before I completed my residency. I flew back home as soon as I graduated. The plane landed at my home state on Friday. I started my first job on Saturday. And I picked up a 740i BMW, that I pre-ordered, on Sunday. Life is beautiful.