Dental Specialty after working as General Dentist

[8261995]

If a dental student doesn't get into the specialty he/she applies for, would it be possible to work as a general dentist for a few years and then reapply to the dental specialty? Would having work experience as a practicing dentist be favored for specialty programs or would it be a disadvantage?

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[teethlover93]

I've never heard of dentists re-applying to specialties after a few years of work. Some re-apply (or just apply) in their GPR year. I don't think working as a general dentist would be beneficial to one's application. E.g. OMFS 6 year programs require going back to med school for two years, it's best to do this fresh out of dental school rather than a few years out when you've forgotten some of that D1 and D2 knowledge

 

[drkack]

It's very possible. Lots of people on military scholarships go to dental school, serve their contract, then go back to a specialty program.

 

[doc toothache]

I've never heard of dentists re-applying to specialties after a few years of work. Some re-apply (or just apply) in their GPR year. I don't think working as a general dentist would be beneficial to one's application. E.g. OMFS 6 year programs require going back to med school for two years, it's best to do this fresh out of dental school rather than a few years out when you've forgotten some of that D1 and D2 knowledge

And, of course, since you "never heard of dentists re-applying to specialties after a few years of work", it must be true.

 

[teethlover93]

I'm sorry that I didn't word my post correctly. Let me rephrase: Three of my relatives are general dentists, I work for three oral surgeons, and I've spoken with 50+ general dentists and specialists at continuing education courses. A few months ago, I was actually curious about going back to specialize after working as a general dentist, and I inquired with most of the dentists I know. The overall response? "Why would you do that?"

I apologize that my original post was so negative. Of course, I only asked a small fraction of the population, but I like to think that I'm fairly well informed.

 

[Screwtape]

A fair amount of the dental residents (ortho, perio, endo) at my school were general dentists for a few years before deciding to specialize. Doesn't seem to be the same for OMS, but that residency is a beast...