denied into a dental specialty...

[geronamo26]

How easy is it to become a specialist in dentistry? Would most of you be happy as a general dentists if you could not make it in? I personally do not think I would even come close to qualify even if I tried my hardest. What do you all think?

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[dentalWorks]

How easy is it to become a specialist in dentistry? Would most of you be happy as a general dentists if you could not make it in? I personally do not think I would even come close to qualify even if I tried my hardest. What do you all think?

from what I have heard... the lucrative specialties are very hard to land.

Just an example, on my Temple interview day, Brian (dude who works in admissions) told us that their ortho program recieves approx 600 applications each year, they interview about 20, and only accept 6

 

[charlestweed]

I believe periodontics is an easiest specialty to get into. If you are a US trained dentist, your chance of getting accepted to a paid (or low tuition) perio program should be very good. It’s a great specialty. Good income (due to very low overhead), great hours, and rarely have to deal with emergencies.

 

[Mackchops]

There are nine ADA recognized specialties and a few non-recognized (dental anesthesia, oral medicine, etc). You don't have to have ortho or oral surgeon stats to get into all of them. In fact, most will be willing to overlook a slightly deficient GPA or board score (emphasis on slightly) to accept someone who has demonstrated a true passion for that specialty. If you really want it, you can (most likely) get it! Just some are easier than others.

That said, if you hate drilling teeth and really really want to do public health, don't go to dental school...

 

[Sayahhhhh]

Do specialty programs look at your undergrad marks?

 

[futuredds08]

Do specialty programs look at your undergrad marks?

My specialty required I send in original undergrad transcripts, so I think they do take this into consideration. I can't remember if it was through PASS or not though, so I can only speak for pedo.