Endo Residency Advice

[molar743]

For those that were just accepted into an endodontics residency this cycle or those that just recently started - what do you think in your application or interview helped you gain a spot? Also, do you think research specifically in dental school is necessary for an endodontics residency?

I know every cycle is different, but I am just trying to gain some insight as to what a successful applicant has looked like in the last few years. I am a current D3 interested in endodontics. I have a high GPA, unsure of class rank, no research in dental school, but I did research in undergrad and my gap year and have a publication as first author from it. Some club involvement and community service, but nothing crazy. I did a small program after my D1 year helping pre-dental students and will be a TA this year for D1 and D2 students in pre clinic lab. I'm strongly considering a GPR first to give me another year to decide if specializing is for me and also I know that will only make my application stronger.

TIA for taking the time to respond!

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[dentistrydmd]

I believe endo is one of the specialties where doing at least one year of private practice is almost an unwritten requirement to specialize. I think it makes sense though because you'd want to have a fair bit of endo under your belt before residency so you can focus on the truly difficult cases in your residency.

 

[PerioDont]

Almost all the endo residents at my school either did a GPR, or 3+ years of private practice. I know only one kid who got in straight from d school, he had exceptional research so its probably good to have some.

I would say all specialties do a lot of research and lit review, so you want at least some experience there

 

[cmsmith85]

Agree with what has been said so far. It seems like experience is key with the majority of programs. Obviously there are some that take some right out of dental school, but it's not as common. I didn't have any research experience in undergrad it dental school, but have 4 years of experience and that seemed to help. It was a pretty competitive cycle, as I'm sure the future cycles will be. I applied to over 30 programs, and only got 2 interviews and luckily got into a program.
Work on establishing a good relationship with the endo faculty at your school and try reaching out to different programs to get your name and face out there.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I heard the grad endo program where I’m at doing peds saw twice as many applications this cycle. Why? Probably a lot of people out in practice thought it would be good to hide from the rona by doing a residency. Could be the same next cycle. So if you’re applying right out of school, you better bring the thunder.

Big Hoss

 

[cmsmith85]

I heard the grad endo program where I’m at doing peds saw twice as many applications this cycle. Why? Probably a lot of people out in practice thought it would be good to hide from the rona by doing a residency. Could be the same next cycle. So if you’re applying right out of school, you better bring the thunder.

Big Hoss

Yeah, every program had almost double the amount of applications. Craziness. It would be interesting to see/know the reason why and who those applicants were.

 

[BooksBeforeLooks]

I don't think research in dental school is completely necessary. Like you, I had a lot of research experience in undergrad, not so much in dental school, and was succesful getting in straight out.

I agree that most residents usually do a GPR or have work experience though before applying.

I think the best thing is to completely immerse yourself in the profession. Shadow endodontists, work with endo residents if you can at your school, attend the AAE conference (even if virtual), watch some on-demand endo vidoes, know top trends / issues etc. It will help for interviews.

In terms of your application, theres no set formula. A lot of programs look for residents that will fit in well with others. Let your personality come out in your personal statement/interviews and figure out your unique factor. I had taken three gap years to travel and worked some interesting non-dental jobs. If you're on the fence, going into a GPR or entering private practice isnt a terrible idea. It would definitely make your application stronger.

 

[sjk20]

Can someone offer advice about how to reach out to program directors and specific endo programs? I know how to do a google search and find some emails but what should I be reaching out about? Do I express interest in their program and request to shadow?

For reference, I am a current PGY-1 and plan on doing a PGY-2 in hopes it improves my chances of getting in. Of course I can reach out to endo faculty back at my previous dental school but I'd like to cast my net wide. Thanks in advance for anyone who can offer some insight.

 

[molar743]

Thank you everyone! As for GPRs - does anyone have any ones to look into (either from personal experience or hearing about from a co-resident) that you think would be a good fit for someone wanting to pursue endo?

 

[dentistrydmd]

Can someone offer advice about how to reach out to program directors and specific endo programs? I know how to do a google search and find some emails but what should I be reaching out about? Do I express interest in their program and request to shadow?

For reference, I am a current PGY-1 and plan on doing a PGY-2 in hopes it improves my chances of getting in. Of course I can reach out to endo faculty back at my previous dental school but I'd like to cast my net wide. Thanks in advance for anyone who can offer some insight.

You can go to the ADEA PASS Program search and call the program directors or send an email via the contact information provided.

 

[PerioDont]

Can someone offer advice about how to reach out to program directors and specific endo programs? I know how to do a google search and find some emails but what should I be reaching out about? Do I express interest in their program and request to shadow?

For reference, I am a current PGY-1 and plan on doing a PGY-2 in hopes it improves my chances of getting in. Of course I can reach out to endo faculty back at my previous dental school but I'd like to cast my net wide. Thanks in advance for anyone who can offer some insight.

I have heard AT Still AEGD is good for this specific purpose. I would look for any Programs directors or faculty in residency that are endo. not sure if it matters that much about which AEGD/GPR if your purpose is solely to get into a residency.

 

[yappy]

I heard the grad endo program where I’m at doing peds saw twice as many applications this cycle. Why? Probably a lot of people out in practice thought it would be good to hide from the rona by doing a residency. Could be the same next cycle. So if you’re applying right out of school, you better bring the thunder.

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Big Hoss

Really interesting insight. Are you suggesting there were double the number of applicants who were "fair weather" because of the pandemic? I cannot imagine randomly deciding to become a specialist? I was thinking that these were students who were applying because they thought there wouldn't be any jobs available. I wonder why they picked endo of all specialties?

 

[cmsmith85]

Really interesting insight. Are you suggesting there were double the number of applicants who were "fair weather" because of the pandemic? I cannot imagine randomly deciding to become a specialist? I was thinking that these were students who were applying because they thought there wouldn't be any jobs available. I wonder why they picked endo of all specialties?

My guess is the same as yours. That it was students about to graduate and maybe even 3rd years that weren't wanting to go work in the current economy. And they probably picked endo because it's the best specialty there is haha.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I wonder why they picked endo of all specialties?

Probably because it’s the specialty that most appreciates and favors work experience.

Big Hoss