General Dentist interested in OMFS

[pleaseomfs]

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Hello,

I’ve been practicing as a general dentist for two years and plan to apply for OMFS residency next year. I’m currently studying for the CBSE in February and am really enjoying the learning process. I work as an instructor at a dental school school and am wondering if this experience will be beneficial for my application.

I understand that achieving a passing score on the CBSE is the most important factor, which is why I’ve focused on that so far. I have two oral surgeons I’ve worked with who are willing to write me letters of recommendation (one of whom was a program director). Should I also try to get a letter from my dental school? I don’t have much of a relationship with anyone in the oral surgery department at the dental school, but I could potentially ask the dean for a letter.

Additionally, I’m not currently involved in research, but I’ve completed several projects during undergrad, including a publication and a couple of poster presentations.

Am I missing anything important besides the score?

 

[OrphanageCaretaker]

You may have to do a non-cat since you’re out of dental school. You’ll need academic omfs LOR’s as well.

 

[pleaseomfs]

You may have to do a non-cat since you’re out of dental school. You’ll need academic omfs LOR’s as well.

Yes, I’m aware of that. Is it very unlikely to match to the program as a non-traditional applicant? By academic omfs, who would qualify? Thanks!!

 

[DumbIsh]

Yes, I’m aware of that. Is it very unlikely to match to the program as a non-traditional applicant? By academic omfs, who would qualify? Thanks!!

The chair at your dental schools OMFS clinic/program. OMFS faculty at teaching institutions rather than private practice surgeons!

 

[OrphanageCaretaker]

Yes, I’m aware of that. Is it very unlikely to match to the program as a non-traditional applicant? By academic omfs, who would qualify? Thanks!!

I’d say unlikely without a non-cat. With a non-cat and solid cbse, pretty reasonable

 

[axiumgod]

Any externships so far? Lack of externships/non-cat probably will kill your application, even if you get a passing score. Highly recommend doing externships if possible, and/or a non-cat too. Both for your applications-sake but also to make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into.

 

[pleaseomfs]

Any externships so far? Lack of externships/non-cat probably will kill your application, even if you get a passing score. Highly recommend doing externships if possible, and/or a non-cat too. Both for your applications-sake but also to make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into.

I did two externships when I was a dental student. Planning to do couple more after Feb. How many externships would look good without a non-cat year?

 

[pleaseomfs]

The chair at your dental schools OMFS clinic/program. OMFS faculty at teaching institutions rather than private practice surgeons!

Ok! So one of the omfs I worked with was a PD until a few years ago…. Would that count? I’ll try to make connection with someone at the institution and ask the os faculty at my dental school!

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

Take the CBSE, and will go from there. One step at a time.

 

[pleaseomfs]

Take the CBSE, and will go from there. One step at a time.

Ok!!! Study first!

 

[deleted923283]

Agree with @AlbinoPolarBear , get your score first - that will make or break it

 

[nade0016]

Interesting thread. I generally agree with most of the posting here. I would advise 3 externships, 3 letters of recc from OMS at a bare minimum. Two from currently teaching OMS's would be even better. If you can get involved with a training program near you that would go along way. Have you attended journal clubs, didactics, annual meetings? Have you meet with your previous SoD OMS Chairman, PD or a local training program director? All of these look good on an application since you have been out for a few years.

And one great point from the folks above was make sure you know what you are getting into. This will not be 8-5 like PP. This will be 6-7 everyday of the week. Be sure you understand that the OMS folks you have worked with are probably doing teeth and titanium which will probably be a very small portion of your training. There is usually 3 weeks of vacation which you will not get to choose. It will probably be chosen for you.

If this is really something you want to do then go for it but for the love of the game not for the paycheck at the end. I have met a few folks who really struggled in residency as they were not prepared to be a resident but had worked at or assisted in an OMS office and thought that is what residency was like.

Otherwise, good luck and keep us posted on the CBSE score.

 

[pleaseomfs]

Interesting thread. I generally agree with most of the posting here. I would advise 3 externships, 3 letters of recc from OMS at a bare minimum. Two from currently teaching OMS's would be even better. If you can get involved with a training program near you that would go along way. Have you attended journal clubs, didactics, annual meetings? Have you meet with your previous SoD OMS Chairman, PD or a local training program director? All of these look good on an application since you have been out for a few years.

And one great point from the folks above was make sure you know what you are getting into. This will not be 8-5 like PP. This will be 6-7 everyday of the week. Be sure you understand that the OMS folks you have worked with are probably doing teeth and titanium which will probably be a very small portion of your training. There is usually 3 weeks of vacation which you will not get to choose. It will probably be chosen for you.

If this is really something you want to do then go for it but for the love of the game not for the paycheck at the end. I have met a few folks who really struggled in residency as they were not prepared to be a resident but had worked at or assisted in an OMS office and thought that is what residency was like.

Otherwise, good luck and keep us posted on the CBSE score.

This is so helpful! Thank you so much!!
I’m going to reach out to some oral surgeons I know in the area to get involved with some activities. I’m planning to reach out to my dental school PD once I have the score. I will keep you posted.