Hi Korndoctor.
I've been away for a while, but realized, while browsing this morning, that I don't know if I ever truly answered the question that you posed way back at the beginning of the thread. Unfortunately, my responses to your thread started at the very beginning of the interview cycle when I was getting overlooked by a lot of programs and because of questions being thrown at me about my unusual candidacy at age 42, combined with a true frustration on my behalf, the whole thread ended up taking a turn away from what really mattered, namely, your original question. So I'm REALLY sorry to have usurped space on what was a really good question.
Well, over 3 weeks have passed since my first response to your question, I've gotten some interviews, and I can give you a much better idea about the process for an "experienced" GP like yourself.
1. First of all, you should expect major "highs" and "lows" through the application process. I know it sounds obvious, but until you experience it, it's simply hard to explain. Now that the first stage is almost over, I can tell you that I have a much deeper respect for anyone who has ever gone through a program (or even simply been through the application process). The process is grueling, it is super selective and if you are in a place in life like you and I are (running a full time practice, managing a family, etc) the added stress of the application process can seriously affect the way you look at things, and make you re-evaluate your self worth in very weird ways. I'm just thankful that I recognized how my personality was changing when programs started handing out interviews and I wasn't on the list. When my top choice called me, my outlook took a 180 degree turn from pessimistic and depressed to elated and optimistic. It sounds schizophrenic, but I've spoken to other candidates and they have experienced the same thing.
2. Go into this with a clear idea of why you want to do it. Because of all of the work related to the application process and taking the GRE, you should have some really good reasons for doing this. You've been practicing for 5 years and probably have made some great headway in the field. To throw away your "momentum" and all you've built is a very big thing and not to be underestimated, especially if you have a family that counts on you. Nobody could (or should) ever tell you why you should and shouldn't get into ortho, but ask yourself if its REALLY what you want. When the darker times come during the application process (and they will, so don't sweat it) you need to be able to fall back onto a solid reason for doing this to keep you going.
3. Recognize how little you know about the field you're going into. I may be an expert in photography, etc, but I am NOT an orthodontist, and don't even know 1/100th of what a first year ortho resident knows about tooth movement. I know how I'd like a case set up and how to finish it restoratively, but my complete lack of knowledge about tooth movement mechanics is why I want to go back and be trained as a specialist. I am a completely clean slate when it comes to the orthodontic world. When I look back on my posts here, I can see my self validation in every post made when programs weren't calling me. Dentists like us (me more than you due to being out 18 years instead of 5) pose unusual candidacies. When I wasn't getting interviews at first, I felt like I had to defend myself and who I was, and in retrospect, I feel like an idiot. I've spent a lot of time with my mentors who are world class orthodontists, but since the application process, I've started spending more time with my local orthodontists who aren't lecturers, don't do big cases, but are solid people working within their comfort levels. I just saw one this week who really gave me a great outlook on things I've learned so much from them, but most importantly, I've learned how little I truly know. What's the old saying? "You don't know what you don't know."
4. Spend time with every specialist who will let you chat with them. See their offices in action. See how patients are treated. Watch them on a regular basis and you will see how radically different their practices are from ours. It's a great eye opening experience and will either change you rmind about the process or reaffirm it, like it did for me. As GPs, we have a very provincial look at dentistry. Even though my main mentors were orthodontists, I never really got to see it from their side day to day, and it can be a real eye opener. For me, it just made me want it more, but if you're going to throw away the entire life you've built, be sure you know what you're going into.
5. Become the absolute best general dentist you can become. I mean it. Kill yourself. Take as much CE as you can. It will certainly look good on your application, but I have been told by many orthodontists with whom I've met that your restorative background will serve you REALLY well when you become an orthodontist. For me, although I want to go back to school and simply be the best student I can be, I've been told, time and again by my mentors, that I have a responsibility to help my fellow residents understand both the role general dentistry plays in successful case management as well as let them see the side of their potential referral base (general dentists) in a way that will help their practices when they get out. People like you and I owe it to our programs to give back whatever they deem useful and I think it's important for them to know that when you apply, however, we need to be students in a program and my plan is to shut up and "speak only when spoken to" because it's their expertise, not mine that matters.
6. Start photographing your cases and give back to dentistry in the form of teaching and lecturing. Yes, I know that I beat that horse to death, but you will become so much better at general dentistry by doing it and it will certainly look good on your CV. Again, my mentors gave back so much to me with the understanding that I "pay it forward". Good karma comes back around and aside from seeing your outcomes on an 8x 10 screen (which is humbling), you'll be helping others who may not have your experience as a GP. Plus, the best teachers always become th ebest students as they grow.
Sorry for the long post, but life is way less "down" for me and I felt that I owed you my best response. You're looking at embarking on a great trip and I applaud you. I know how ward it is to change your entire life to follow what you feel is the best course of action. Don't give up, give it your best, find great mentors and above all, do not let the process get into your head like it did for me.
If there's anything else I can do, please let me know, and GOOD LUCK!!!
