CBSE and Externship Timing

[Baconatorwf]

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Hello, I’m a D2 at a 3-year dental school and planning to apply for a non-categorical OMFS internship after graduating. I’m trying to figure out the best time to take the CBSE given the compressed curriculum, and when I should start reaching out to programs for externships.

My current plan is to take the CBSE August 2026, and possibly start reaching out right now to programs with externships for December 2025. Not entirely sure if I should be reaching out without a CBSE. I'm also guessing I would be applying to non-categorical positions right after taking the exam in my D3 year.

Would appreciate any insight from others who’ve taken this route, especially around CBSE prep timelines, externship timing, and what programs are really looking for.

TYIA

 

[Anonamoose]

CBSE is only offered July and Feb. Take it as soon as you can while giving yourself 8 solid months to study, then worry about externships - they won't matter if you don't have a decent score.