CBSE Timeline Question/Military OMFS

[DVA1990]

Hi everyone! I have been deciding between specialties for a while now - but recently decided on OS. I am a current D2 - and was planning to take the CBSE in February of my D3 year. (I know this is late - but its a long story) My dental school is pass/fail and I can really start studying as soon as I order the books. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on if I need to retake the exam - which would be August D4. I am HPSP and and not sure if this would be possible....

Do you think 6-8 months of studying could be enough for exam in February?

Thank you for your help!

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[spdental]

6-8 months is enough for sure.

 

[deleted913442]

My advice: 6-8 is a really long time. If you’re planning on going “hard” you’ll burn out in month 2-3. If you’re planning on going “light” you’ll either start forgetting stuff by month 2-3, or never really learn much. Most successful cbse test takers I know take about 4-6 months, studying lightly their first month or two and ramping up. They end up the last 2 months with at least 6 hours of studying after clinic everyday and 12hs during the weekends.

Either way, good luck. The test is so hard for dental students most end up taking it 2-3 times after changing their study strategy multiple times. You can do it!

Agree to disagree on this. I personally went 9mo pretty hard (had to because I started D1/D2 summer and didn't learn all material yet. as long as you do your anki reviews and take an off-day here and there, you shouldn't burn out. I recommend starting asap, and if you start burning out, then take a day or 2 off and go do something fun

 

[lb ruski]

I took the CBSE 3 times (August D3, Feb D3, and August D4) and used my 3rd score for my application. I'm also HPSP and matched into OMFS. Most people take it 2-3 times so don't get discouraged if your first score doesn't cut it. Good luck

Edit: depending on if you are Navy, you may be only able to take it twice since I know Navy requires its applications in by March of D3.

 

[DVA1990]

Thank you all so much!

 

[ShortShortsDad]

Try to one-and-done with the Feb D3 but the Aug D4 will still make the board. In the military a letter of rec from a program director can outweigh CBSE in some cases so while you try to do your best on the CBSE, get at least one quality externship at a military program. If you go for 21-45 days the military will cover it as your ADT and pay travel, lodging, etc. Impress the residents there and likely they will write a letter the program director will sign and present to a board he either sits on or personally knows everyone. I did a 5wk ADT and crammed less than 2wks for the CBSE, did well and while my score would have gotten me interviews in the civilian world that picture was a slam dunk for the military. PM me if your Army and want to set up an externship.

 

[Pcsaints6]

Try to one-and-done with the Feb D3 but the Aug D4 will still make the board. In the military a letter of rec from a program director can outweigh CBSE in some cases so while you try to do your best on the CBSE, get at least one quality externship at a military program. If you go for 21-45 days the military will cover it as your ADT and pay travel, lodging, etc. Impress the residents there and likely they will write a letter the program director will sign and present to a board he either sits on or personally knows everyone. I did a 5wk ADT and crammed less than 2wks for the CBSE, did well and while my score would have gotten me interviews in the civilian world that picture was a slam dunk for the military. PM me if your Army and want to set up an externship.

I am a D2 on the 4 year Army HPSP and I am interested in setting up an externship with you. I am not able to PM you.

 

[Badgers2]

Try to one-and-done with the Feb D3 but the Aug D4 will still make the board. In the military a letter of rec from a program director can outweigh CBSE in some cases so while you try to do your best on the CBSE, get at least one quality externship at a military program. If you go for 21-45 days the military will cover it as your ADT and pay travel, lodging, etc. Impress the residents there and likely they will write a letter the program director will sign and present to a board he either sits on or personally knows everyone. I did a 5wk ADT and crammed less than 2wks for the CBSE, did well and while my score would have gotten me interviews in the civilian world that picture was a slam dunk for the military. PM me if your Army and want to set up an externship.

I'm also a D2 looking to set up an externship. Could I get a PM from you?

 

[ShortShortsDad]

PM’d

 

[SK8R]

Try to one-and-done with the Feb D3 but the Aug D4 will still make the board. In the military a letter of rec from a program director can outweigh CBSE in some cases so while you try to do your best on the CBSE, get at least one quality externship at a military program. If you go for 21-45 days the military will cover it as your ADT and pay travel, lodging, etc. Impress the residents there and likely they will write a letter the program director will sign and present to a board he either sits on or personally knows everyone. I did a 5wk ADT and crammed less than 2wks for the CBSE, did well and while my score would have gotten me interviews in the civilian world that picture was a slam dunk for the military. PM me if your Army and want to set up an externship.

Rising D4, still haven't been able to do an externship. My orders to tripler were rescinded due to COVID19 and stop movement. Hoping I can get one in before the application.

 

[dentist432]

Try to one-and-done with the Feb D3 but the Aug D4 will still make the board. In the military a letter of rec from a program director can outweigh CBSE in some cases so while you try to do your best on the CBSE, get at least one quality externship at a military program. If you go for 21-45 days the military will cover it as your ADT and pay travel, lodging, etc. Impress the residents there and likely they will write a letter the program director will sign and present to a board he either sits on or personally knows everyone. I did a 5wk ADT and crammed less than 2wks for the CBSE, did well and while my score would have gotten me interviews in the civilian world that picture was a slam dunk for the military. PM me if your Army and want to set up an externship.

I am a rising D2 with 4 year Army HPSP scholarship and I am highly interested in an externship at military bases. Could you please PM me too? i was not able to PM you directly.

 

[28cent]

PM’d

Hello, I am a 4-year army HPSP recipient who's looking for an army OMFS externship program. Could you please give me some advice?

 

[ShortShortsDad]

Hello, I am a 4-year army HPSP recipient who's looking for an army OMFS externship program. Could you please give me some advice?

Reach out to your HPSP advisor and they can set that up. COVID may prevent this but I’m not sure on the specifics. Try to use your ADT to get the travel covered but you’ll need to budget at least 21 days for the Army to pay for it. If your school has externship time build in or you can get out of clinic sometime around the middle of your third year that’s your best best. You’ll likely hit roadblocks with this process so be persistent, you’re not supposed to reach out to programs directly so you need to be persistent to get this accomplished