Declining dental match program

[tracy123]

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I was just wondering if anyone has ever declined their match position?
I'm finding it hard to believe that everyone who matches goes to the programs that they match with. What are these sanctions if you violate match? Do non-match programs know if you matched or not?

 

[alafave]

I was just wondering if anyone has ever declined their match position?
I'm finding it hard to believe that everyone who matches goes to the programs that they match with. What are these sanctions if you violate match? Do non-match programs know if you matched or not?

By ranking a program, you sign a binding contract to attend the program that you match with. It varies by program, but there are penalties for declining a match. That's why you DO NOT rank a program in which you would not be happy in. Seems silly but it's the only way the match works. So to answer your question - NO - there are very few people who decline their match. More commonly, residents quit after a few weeks not realizing the commitment they have gotten themselves into.

 

[tracy123]

By ranking a program, you sign a binding contract to attend the program that you match with. It varies by program, but there are penalties for declining a match. That's why you DO NOT rank a program in which you would not be happy in. Seems silly but it's the only way the match works. So to answer your question - NO - there are very few people who decline their match. More commonly, residents quit after a few weeks not realizing the commitment they have gotten themselves into.

Yes. I understand that but what happens if something comes up in your life or you change your mind about residency? Especially considering the fact that dental students don't even have to do a residency program once they graduate. Maybe you accidentally missed the deadline by one day or so.

 

[alafave]

Yes. I understand that but what happens if something comes up in your life or you change your mind about residency? Especially considering the fact that dental students don't even have to do a residency program once they graduate. Maybe you accidentally missed the deadline by one day or so.

You certainly have the option to drop out after you've matched- just don't plan on ever matching again. 🙂

 

[setdoc7]

You most certainly have the right to decline a MATCH position even after matching into a spot. It is all about how you go about it. For instance, if you match into a GPR and your end game is to do endo or ortho, and suddenly, after the MATCH you are offered a position that surreptitiously opens up.....what to do?
A good rule of thumb is to speak directly to the GPR director and explain the circumstances. No PD wants a resident to begin the program unhappy, and most will understand that this offer may not necessarily be replicated in the upcoming cycle. The GPR PD can excuse you form your commitment with no penalty.
Failure to communicate and simply sending an email stating you will not be showing up may evoke a great deal of ire from the GPR PD, in which case you may be sanctioned from ever participating in the MATCH, or worse.
Family issues, illness, etc. are also legit reasons, but communication is key. With this said, most people end up honoring the MATCH agreement.

 

[tracy123]

You most certainly have the right to decline a MATCH position even after matching into a spot. It is all about how you go about it. For instance, if you match into a GPR and your end game is to do endo or ortho, and suddenly, after the MATCH you are offered a position that surreptitiously opens up.....what to do?
A good rule of thumb is to speak directly to the GPR director and explain the circumstances. No PD wants a resident to begin the program unhappy, and most will understand that this offer may not necessarily be replicated in the upcoming cycle. The GPR PD can excuse you form your commitment with no penalty.
Failure to communicate and simply sending an email stating you will not be showing up may evoke a great deal of ire from the GPR PD, in which case you may be sanctioned from ever participating in the MATCH, or worse.
Family issues, illness, etc. are also legit reasons, but communication is key. With this said, most people end up honoring the MATCH agreement.

That makes sense to me. I just wanted to know if people can decline their match position. Also, if non-match programs know if you match or not and what kind of sanctions they impose on you. I mean I'm sure people change their mind. What if you just want to work instead of doing a GPR and you decided that after match? I mean are they going to force you to do whatever program you matched with? I just think match is kinda crazy.

 

[vellnueve]

If you sign paperwork making a commitment you are expected to uphold it. The same goes for any other contractual obligation you will ever make.

 

[Bifenthrin]

Just remember... you're only as good as your word. And in a professional setting, this holds especially true.

 

[setdoc7]

Just remember... you're only as good as your word. And in a professional setting, this holds especially true.

I agree that integrity is quite important in our profession, but I also know that a lot an change between 1/30 and 6/30. Sometimes it is better to be upfront and inform a program that you cannot foresee completing it. There are always those waiting in the wings to fill open spots. Happy residents perform better.

 

[FanOfCostco]

You most certainly have the right to decline a MATCH position even after matching into a spot. It is all about how you go about it. For instance, if you match into a GPR and your end game is to do endo or ortho, and suddenly, after the MATCH you are offered a position that surreptitiously opens up.....what to do?
A good rule of thumb is to speak directly to the GPR director and explain the circumstances. No PD wants a resident to begin the program unhappy, and most will understand that this offer may not necessarily be replicated in the upcoming cycle. The GPR PD can excuse you form your commitment with no penalty.
Failure to communicate and simply sending an email stating you will not be showing up may evoke a great deal of ire from the GPR PD, in which case you may be sanctioned from ever participating in the MATCH, or worse.
Family issues, illness, etc. are also legit reasons, but communication is key. With this said, most people end up honoring the MATCH agreement.

You can always decline match. Non match does not know your match status.

I know this is true from a creditable source. Myself.