Does it still make sense to specialize?

[wengerout]

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Hello all,

I wanted to ask does it still make sense for new grads to specialize (Not including OMFS).

I have a long road ahead in terms of getting through dental school. I originally planned to pursue Orthodontics(Or possibly Endodontics) after dental school. However, I am now reading negative takes on the job outlook for Orthodontics (Due to super GP's, saturation, etc.). Does it still make sense to specialize after dental school (And have to cough up more tuition) given the current and future job outlook? Or would I be better off sticking as a GP?

(If it helps I am from the south and plan on returning to the south after dental school/residency. Primarily looking at Florida, Texas, and Georgia).

 

[BellaNella]

When you start going through dental school, you will get exposed to different specialties which will give you the chance to decide whether it's worth it for you. Just make sure to stay competitive as far as applications go. By the time third year is over (which is when you would apply), you should know or at least have a better idea of what you want.
There were lots of people in my class wanting to specialize initially and realizing that they no longer wanted to by the end of 3rd year.

 

[kidsaremypassion]

Hello all,

I wanted to ask does it still make sense for new grads to specialize (Not including OMFS).

I have a long road ahead in terms of getting through dental school. I originally planned to pursue Orthodontics(Or possibly Endodontics) after dental school. However, I am now reading negative takes on the job outlook for Orthodontics (Due to super GP's, saturation, etc.). Does it still make sense to specialize after dental school (And have to cough up more tuition) given the current and future job outlook? Or would I be better off sticking as a GP?

(If it helps I am from the south and plan on returning to the south after dental school/residency. Primarily looking at Florida, Texas, and Georgia).

Depends on what you're trying to specialize in. Depends on if you're attending a program that is stipended fully or tuition based, as well as your debt load upon graduating from dental school.
Multiple factors at play here. I don't regret applying straight to Peds. I enjoy going to clinic everyday and honing my skills. The job search hasn't been too bad either. Certainly wouldn't hurt to talk to various newly graduated specialists and find out what their experiences in the job market have been. That's likely the best gauge of what you'll encounter if you choose that particular specialty.

 

[wengerout]

Depends on what you're trying to specialize in. Depends on if you're attending a program that is stipended fully or tuition based, as well as your debt load upon graduating from dental school.
Multiple factors at play here. I don't regret applying straight to Peds. I enjoy going to clinic everyday and honing my skills. The job search hasn't been too bad either. Certainly wouldn't hurt to talk to various newly graduated specialists and find out what their experiences in the job market have been. That's likely the best gauge of what you'll encounter if you choose that particular specialty.

Primarily I was looking at Ortho if I can swing it. I know there are a few stipen-based Ortho programs but they are rare.


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[schmoob]

Primarily I was looking at Ortho if I can swing it. I know there are a few stipen-based Ortho programs but they are rare.


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My understanding is that you got a great deal on a school that has very high rate of specialization.
If you want to specialize, go for it. Just be sure it's what you are interested in. You may get to clinic and absolutely hate ortho. I know many people who can't stand endo, while others absolutely love it. We need the exposure to make the most informed decision.
You seem to know your stuff and you are asking the right questions, I'm confident you will make a smart decision regardless of the path you choose.

 

[wengerout]

My understanding is that you got a great deal on a school that has very high rate of specialization.
If you want to specialize, go for it. Just be sure it's what you are interested in. You may get to clinic and absolutely hate ortho. I know many people who can't stand endo, while others absolutely love it. We need the exposure to make the most informed decision.
You seem to know your stuff and you are asking the right questions, I'm confident you will make a smart decision regardless of the path you choose.

That is correct I was blessed enough to be in a good place as far as financials go.

My plan was to shadow the clinics in whatever spare time I have to make an informed decision. I just also want to make sure financially it makes sense as well, given the ROI needed to forgo 3 years on income while in residency. Thank you for your advice!

 

[sundaequeen]

That is correct I was blessed enough to be in a good place as far as financials go.

My plan was to shadow the clinics in whatever spare time I have to make an informed decision. I just also want to make sure financially it makes sense as well, given the ROI needed to forgo 3 years on income while in residency. Thank you for your advice!

It's great that you're thinking about it now. As a D4 who's accepted into ortho (at Columbia so come find me next year haha), the reality of having to pay huge sums/delaying income for another 3 years didn't really hit until match day. I have concerns about the future of the specialty, but when it comes down to it, I know I will enjoy the work of being an ortho more than a GP so I don't regret it, but man is it a lot to sacrifice. Most of the residents/new grads I've talked to though are still pretty optimistic about ortho so I guess that's at least a good sign.

 

[wengerout]

It's great that you're thinking about it now. As a D4 who's accepted into ortho (at Columbia so come find me next year haha), the reality of having to pay huge sums/delaying income for another 3 years didn't really hit until match day. I have concerns about the future of the specialty, but when it comes down to it, I know I will enjoy the work of being an ortho more than a GP so I don't regret it, but man is it a lot to sacrifice. Most of the residents/new grads I've talked to though are still pretty optimistic about ortho so I guess that's at least a good sign.

I'll definitely hit you up! It's good to hear that they are optimistic about it. I still have to shadow and get my feet wet with procedures but I have a feeling Ortho is what i'll like the most. My hope is those states I mentioned previously will still be a good market for Ortho in the future.

 

[PTSD]

Do you follow the trades? I watch indeed.com, the ada career center, ect and rarely see ortho jobs come up. even the corporations are saturated with ortho. doing in-house ortho at gp offices is nearly impossible (specialist on wheels) and from what I hear orthos rarely retire early and capacity is so high its unnecessary to hire an associate.

 

[wengerout]

Do you follow the trades? I watch indeed.com, the ada career center, ect and rarely see ortho jobs come up. even the corporations are saturated with ortho. doing in-house ortho at gp offices is nearly impossible (specialist on wheels) and from what I hear orthos rarely retire early and capacity is so high its unnecessary to hire an associate.

I have not, partially since I figured more than likely I would go straight into private practice. This is definitely something to consider though, really need to make sure it makes financial sense before taking on the extra debt.


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