Hello! Would love some advice if anyone can share. I have recently been thinking about going back to school for endo. Been shadowing some endodontist in the area. However I graduated a long time ago, 12 yrs ago, and realized that I won't have enough time to study to take the ADAT by Aug 31st this year. So, may need to look into taking it March 2025 once this opens up ( plan to study this fall and winter). My GPA wasn't great 3.1 and bottom third class rank, therefore I know I need the ADAT to help supplement. I am hoping to go to the AAE meeting April 2026, but honestly I feel discouraged that I won't get in. I know its super competitive, I do have lots of clinical experience so I understand restorability/perio, interpersonal skills, etc but is it even worth the effort? Am I too old to try? I know a dentist that went back at age 39 and graduated age 41 back in the mid 2000s so that gave me some hope but I feel endo has just been so competitive and much harder to get into. I don't even know where to start as far as looking up programs that is worth applying to. Sorry feeling so lost and would love some advice on how to proceed! thanks in advance!
Applying to Endo Residency
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Thanks for your response! I did do a GPR right after dental school. I just worried that my dental school transcript looks awful, I also had to remediate waxing lab, and was on probation for that but had no other issues and finished fine. I know its so competitive so wasn't sure if its even worth my effort.
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I definitely think it would be an uphill battle. The program that I went to had some residents that were older, and there was definitely a lot of debate about them being unteachable and breaking bad habits. Of course they would never admit to this and would just not take you. I believe our current PD is very into the idea of moldable students straight from school. The problem with that is 1) they don’t know for sure if they really wanna do Endo because they haven’t done enough, 2) they suck at anesthesia, and 3) they have not fine-tuned how to talk and deal with patients and work around basic problem-solving that you probably figured it out in your career. Personally, I’m of a mixed opinion. Coupling that with a low GPA and you may be setting yourself up for years of applying with no return. Why not just focus your practice on root canals and crowns?
Thanks for your reply! I actually think I am very teachable as I haven't done tons and tons of endo so I think I would be a good older resident in that regard and plus don't have the 3 problems you mentioned with newer grads like you mentioned. I am not resistant in learning and is even more reason why I would like to go into residency is to learn it via the residency. I currently work in the public health sector and my clinic only refers out rct's, we don't have endo equipment/capacity. My previous private practice was the same way, and honestly I want to feel confident doing endo with a scope and cbct and I have not had clinic opportunities to expose me to that. Appreciate your thoughts!! thank you!!
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Ageism is a thing. Everybody thinks they are "teachable". This is not a criticism of you, and for the record, our older residents are/were generally good residents. The notion that you have been doing things a certain way for years will be hard to convince some. There is also the thought that taking the effort and time to train someone older will be stealing a spot from a younger person who would most likely practice longer, get boarded, contribute to the field, etc... Given that you practice in public health you may be able to convice some if you are open to teaching and truly helping others not for money. Finding a connection(PD, faculty, residents etc..) to talk you up is helpful. Just as ageism is a thing... so is nepotism. Need to have answers for these concerns + the low grades and other things that could hinder your app. KILLING the ADAT is a must. Best of luck sir/ma'am!
o7
Thank you, I honestly really appreciate your feedback!
