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 July 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.

 

[dentpinned]

Why are you already planning to do a non-cat year as a D2? Get a great CBSE and apply, skip the non-cat.

 

[Baconatorwf]

Why are you already planning to do a non-cat year as a D2? Get a great CBSE and apply, skip the non-cat.

I’m just being realistic based on my current class rank (bottom 25th percentile). I’m still aiming to crush the CBSE, but planning for a non-cat gives me a backup while I work on strengthening my app.

 

[c3tribro]

Just want to throw out the caveat that I am also a dental student. However, the CBSE is generally a required part of OMFS internships, so you should plan on taking it before you apply.

 

[Baconatorwf]

Just want to throw out the caveat that I am also a dental student. However, the CBSE is generally a required part of OMFS internships, so you should plan on taking it before you apply.

I definitely plan on taking the CBSE before applying for omfs non-cat internships. Apologies if I wasn't clear in my post, but I'm more concerned about if I need to take the CBSE before reaching out to externships.

 

[mada97]

For most externships you don’t need a score. Usually if they have a section where they ask for one you can just say plan to take it XX date.

 

[c3tribro]

I definitely plan on taking the CBSE before applying for omfs non-cat internships. Apologies if I wasn't clear in my post, but I'm more concerned about if I need to take the CBSE before reaching out to externships.

Oh I missed that, yeah you're fine for externships without a score

 

[dentpinned]

The earlier you reach out to programs for externships the better. Big programs tend to fill up pretty quickly. So reach out earlier to secure specific dates you want.