general practice residencies and jobs

[parkerbros99999]

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Hi. I passed the NERB exam and received my DDS back in '88, but just left it at that. I never practiced dentistry from then on.

I'm now interested in returning to dentistry, but I'm afraid that there has been many changes in the dental field since I've last seen it and I haven't picked up a handpiece in nearly 20 years.

I'd like to first do a general practice residency but I'm kind of anxious as to where I should apply. In dental school, my gpa was around a 2.5. My Pt 1 and 2 board scores were around 90 for both. My recommendation letters will be mediocre at best because my instructors would either have retired or forgotten me by now.

Also, since '88, I have literally done nothing. I was only allowed to look for jobs around my home. I lived ( and still do ) in a big city, but wasn't able to find an associate position in the area, so I gave up searching. I'm kind of worried that my past will negatively affect me when applying to GPRs. My CV is entirely blank, as I didn't work for the last 20 years, and I look older than most residents for sure.

Can anyone here recommend me some gpr programs that are supposedly in my league? I'm not picky; nearly any accredited gpr will do. ( but I can't go as far as Alaska or Hawaii ) I'm generally looking for the programs easiest to get into.

Lastly, is it common for dental graduates to end up in associate positions far away from home? Is it common for them to establish practices away from home too?

Thanks in advance.

 

[drPheta]

Since you'd like to update yourself with the new techniques and materials, you may want to look into AEGD or a school based GPR. They'll be directly linked to an educational environment (as opposed to hospital based clinical ones), and at the same time you'll be able to participate in clinical procedures. Another option may be to do fellowships in esthectics or prosthodontics.

With regard to your NERB, don't you need to maintain/earn a certain amount of CE credits to keep your license active? Otherwise, you may need to retake the NERB, or any other licensure exam for that matter.

Dental graduates are finding jobs all over the nation. I don't understand how you couldn't find an associate position period. I'm almost tempted to be skeptical that this is a real thread. But, I will answer your question anyway, as I'd like to give you the benefit of the doubt.

How did you support yourself all these years? I know you debt (if any) had to be low, because the cost of dental school in the 80s was literally less than the cost of education for public undergraduate schools alone. (My dentist went to UMDNJ for roughly 10,000/year total cost of ed).

 

[parkerbros99999]

Thanks for your advice but I was hoping to know the names of some gpr programs that would be inclined to taking me in. I thought you guys would know better because you're still in school. Remember, it doesn't have to be a good program at all; I just need anything that'll take me in.

I don't plan on AEGD programs because that would require me to take out loans, which I don't want to go thru given that I don't have a credit history. As for specialty programs, I probably wouldn't get in to begin with.

By the way, I wasn't permitted to find a job away from home. And there were no associate positions where I lived. Actually, I did have a position but I had to quit after 4 months because I wasn't getting anywhere by just doing operative work for the guy I worked for and it paid really little. When I searched elsewhere, the jobs were more or less the same. I don't know if I was right but I always thought everywhere else offered better dental jobs than my nearby area. ( I'm talking about nyc ) Anyways, I then stopped searching and lived with my parents all along.

My past brings me back to another question: After I finish my residency, will it become likely again that I'll need to consider relocation when looking for a decent job? Not that I expect anyone here to know, but what do you guys think?

 

[dentwannabe]

Thanks for your advice but I was hoping to know the names of some gpr programs that would be inclined to taking me in. I thought you guys would know better because you're still in school. Remember, it doesn't have to be a good program at all; I just need anything that'll take me in.

I don't plan on AEGD programs because that would require me to take out loans, which I don't want to go thru given that I don't have a credit history. As for specialty programs, I probably wouldn't get in to begin with.

By the way, I wasn't permitted to find a job away from home. And there were no associate positions where I lived. Actually, I did have a position but I had to quit after 4 months because I wasn't getting anywhere by just doing operative work for the guy I worked for and it paid really little. When I searched elsewhere, the jobs were more or less the same. I don't know if I was right but I always thought everywhere else offered better dental jobs than my nearby area. ( I'm talking about nyc ) Anyways, I then stopped searching and lived with my parents all along.

My past brings me back to another question: After I finish my residency, will it become likely again that I'll need to consider relocation when looking for a decent job? Not that I expect anyone here to know, but what do you guys think?

I can't help... But curiousity is forcing me to ask... WHAT happend? Witness protection or something? Duties to parents? I'm just curious what prevents someone from doing anything for so long. Unless its a medical thing, then I understand. You don't have to answer this if you don't want, by the way.

Regardless, best of luck.

 

[SuperTrooper]

I can't help... But curiousity is forcing me to ask... WHAT happend? Witness protection or something? Duties to parents? I'm just curious what prevents someone from doing anything for so long. Unless its a medical thing, then I understand. You don't have to answer this if you don't want, by the way.

Regardless, best of luck.

Maybe he went to jail for something. 😕

Most AEGD programs pay a stipend. I don't understand why the OP thinks they would require a loan.

 

[drPheta]

I also don't think anyone on this board would know which GPR/AEGD would accept you based on your circumstances. My best suggestion is to figure out what GPR/AEGD fits your bill, call them up and ask to speak to the director. Worst case scenario, you go visit a few of them around your area to actually get yourself explained in person.

In all honesty, though, if a GPR is willing to accept any student interested in refining their clinical skills, I don't see why they'd give you a hard time for trying to make yourself a better general dentist. Seriously, many GPRs email school admins looking for students to fill open spots post match.

 

[parkerbros99999]

Thanks for the insights.

By the way, I'm not a slacker asking for help. I worked hard in dental school. My gpa sucked but they weeded out around 1/4 of my classmates before the end of 2nd yr. I've even gotten low 90s on boards. There was a cultural issue I had to deal with at home and I wasn't allowed to look for jobs outside of my home city. ( it wasn't my choice really ) Like I said before, I did try out a job nearby after getting out of school but I was only given operative patients and the owner didn't really need me because there weren't much patients to start with. I looked for other jobs but they were all about the same and so I stopped searching. I stayed home only and got outside only for food. ( stores were like 1/2 mile away and I had to get out my cart and walk all the way because I never had a car ). I didn't have to buy anything else, as I always wore the same stuff and my parents set up the home and everything. I spent my time sleeping, eating, watching tv, and writing stories and songs. My life sucked and being poor also sucked but I was able to keep my sanity by telling myself over and over again that life is meaningless anyway, so I shouldn't envy other people. Remember, it's all in the mindset.



Anyways, I know I should obviously contact programs directly and tell them my stats but I don't think it's practical for me to make an inquiry to all the programs across the country, hence the reason why I asked these questions.

And yes, not all AEGD programs charge students for tuition. It was just that I was trying to find some weak AEGD programs and they appear to either pay a little stipend or require tuition from students.

But I find it hard to believe no one has any ideas to which gpr programs are the weakest to get into. I've heard of programs where applicants even tend to avoid. No one can give the name of at least one such program? No one even knows which places often have open spots after match? Even the names of unpopular AEGD or specialty programs would be appreciated.

And, finally, no one even has feedback on whether it's likely I'll have to move around the country to find a decent job?

 

[groundhog]

Thanks for the insights.

By the way, I'm not a slacker asking for help. I worked hard in dental school. My gpa sucked but they weeded out around 1/4 of my classmates before the end of 2nd yr. I've even gotten low 90s on boards. There was a cultural issue I had to deal with at home and I wasn't allowed to look for jobs outside of my home city. ( it wasn't my choice really ) Like I said before, I did try out a job nearby after getting out of school but I was only given operative patients and the owner didn't really need me because there weren't much patients to start with. I looked for other jobs but they were all about the same and so I stopped searching. I stayed home only and got outside only for food. ( stores were like 1/2 mile away and I had to get out my cart and walk all the way because I never had a car ). I didn't have to buy anything else, as I always wore the same stuff and my parents set up the home and everything. I spent my time sleeping, eating, watching tv, and writing stories and songs. My life sucked and being poor also sucked but I was able to keep my sanity by telling myself over and over again that life is meaningless anyway, so I shouldn't envy other people. Remember, it's all in the mindset.



Anyways, I know I should obviously contact programs directly and tell them my stats but I don't think it's practical for me to make an inquiry to all the programs across the country, hence the reason why I asked these questions.

And yes, not all AEGD programs charge students for tuition. It was just that I was trying to find some weak AEGD programs and they appear to either pay a little stipend or require tuition from students.

But I find it hard to believe no one has any ideas to which gpr programs are the weakest to get into. I've heard of programs where applicants even tend to avoid. No one can give the name of at least one such program? No one even knows which places often have open spots after match? Even the names of unpopular AEGD or specialty programs would be appreciated.

And, finally, no one even has feedback on whether it's likely I'll have to move around the country to find a decent job?

Off the top of my head, I'd say your best chance is to try for a GPR/AEGD in New York (of which there are many). In your case, after having been out of the profession for such a long time, the trick may be getting a program to accept you in the first place even though many slots go unfilled each year. Once accepted, you will be granted a limited license to practice dentistry during your residency under the supervision of a licensed dentist. If you receive a certificate of completion at the end of the GPR/AEGD (no easy task) you will then be eligible to be licensed to practice dentistry in the state of New York. Trying to get licensed in other states even with the completion of the GPR would likley require you to at least take and pass the appropriate regional practical board examination.

 

[DrAngie]

You may want to consider Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. I have a friend up there. She is a 97 graduate of dental school, but was out of the game because of medical reasons. She really likes the program. After successfully completing the program you get your NY state license....NY no longer takes regional board. Otherwise, you may want to just do your research on programs and network with dentists where you are and/or get involved in some dental organizations in your city. Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know....or better yet who knows you.

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

Hello OP,

I am appalled on why you did not capitalize on your DDS. It seems that you went through all that and not make a living of it. Before you embark on regaining your dentistry past, ask yourself this question: Is dentistry what I plan to do in next 10,20 years? If you left dentistry because you did not like it, chances are you won't enjoy it and you will be miserable. To undergo AEGD/GPR and pass state boards to be in the field that you do not enjoy simply ain't worth it. If that's the case, use your DDS degree as a stepping stone to get into other fields like bussiness,medicine or law or something that may fit better with you. You have not given the readers on why you left dentistry so we can't really offer much help here. Now, if you truly want to get your dentistry career back then your best bet is to apply a bunch of GPR/AEGD programs and hope to be matched. Willingness to learn has far more merit than having good grades or board scores. My perception is that you will be matched somewhere. Unless you are totally clinically incompetent, you will regain your skill much faster than you realize. DP

 

[parkerbros99999]

Hello OP,

I am appalled on why you did not capitalize on your DDS. It seems that you went through all that and not make a living of it. Before you embark on regaining your dentistry past, ask yourself this question: Is dentistry what I plan to do in next 10,20 years? If you left dentistry because you did not like it, chances are you won't enjoy it and you will be miserable. To undergo AEGD/GPR and pass state boards to be in the field that you do not enjoy simply ain't worth it. If that's the case, use your DDS degree as a stepping stone to get into other fields like bussiness,medicine or law or something that may fit better with you. You have not given the readers on why you left dentistry so we can't really offer much help here. Now, if you truly want to get your dentistry career back then your best bet is to apply a bunch of GPR/AEGD programs and hope to be matched. Willingness to learn has far more merit than having good grades or board scores. My perception is that you will be matched somewhere. Unless you are totally clinically incompetent, you will regain your skill much faster than you realize. DP

I didn't stop looking for jobs because I disliked dentistry. There was not even a halfway-decent dental job in my area and my alternative was to look for jobs elsewhere in the country ( after all, any place is better than nyc for dental prospects ). And then I would work to pay off loans all by myself, buy a house/car, and finally buy my own practice, while working as a clinical instructor part-time.

Regrettably, I was not allowed to leave the city to look for dental jobs, or any other jobs for that matter. Personally, I was restricted to the extent of not even being allowed to drive, eat snacks, make friends,.....you get the point. When it's this difficult, you'll find yourself practically unable to do anything. I know it sounds strange and awful but I did not pick my culture before I was born. This culture is getting ridiculous and I don't know how much longer I can deal with it.

Anyways, someone mentioned Woodhull. I'll keep that in mind. Do you guys know of any other programs that aren't relatively hard to get in?

And my other question is: Is it likely that I'll have to relocate in search for a decent associate position?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Dukie]

I didn't stop looking for jobs because I disliked dentistry. There was not even a halfway-decent dental job in my area and my alternative was to look for jobs elsewhere in the country ( after all, any place is better than nyc for dental prospects ). And then I would work to pay off loans all by myself, buy a house/car, and finally buy my own practice, while working as a clinical instructor part-time.

Regrettably, I was not allowed to leave the city to look for dental jobs, or any other jobs for that matter. Personally, I was restricted to the extent of not even being allowed to drive, eat snacks, make friends,.....you get the point. When it's this difficult, you'll find yourself practically unable to do anything. I know it sounds strange and awful but I did not pick my culture before I was born. This culture is getting ridiculous and I don't know how much longer I can deal with it.

Anyways, someone mentioned Woodhull. I'll keep that in mind. Do you guys know of any other programs that aren't relatively hard to get in?

And my other question is: Is it likely that I'll have to relocate in search for a decent associate position?

Thanks for your help.

I don't think anyone can answer that for you. Maybe you'll find a great position nearby, but it is certainly possible/likely you won't. You really should be prepared to move if you are dedicated to the profession. You worked hard to make it through dental school- now it is time to make that work pay off.

 

[aphistis]

I didn't stop looking for jobs because I disliked dentistry. There was not even a halfway-decent dental job in my area and my alternative was to look for jobs elsewhere in the country ( after all, any place is better than nyc for dental prospects ). And then I would work to pay off loans all by myself, buy a house/car, and finally buy my own practice, while working as a clinical instructor part-time.

Regrettably, I was not allowed to leave the city to look for dental jobs, or any other jobs for that matter. Personally, I was restricted to the extent of not even being allowed to drive, eat snacks, make friends,.....you get the point. When it's this difficult, you'll find yourself practically unable to do anything. I know it sounds strange and awful but I did not pick my culture before I was born. This culture is getting ridiculous and I don't know how much longer I can deal with it.

Anyways, someone mentioned Woodhull. I'll keep that in mind. Do you guys know of any other programs that aren't relatively hard to get in?

And my other question is: Is it likely that I'll have to relocate in search for a decent associate position?

Thanks for your help.

More than once you've mentioned being "not allowed" to leave the city. I'm not sure what your circumstances are, and I won't presume to tell you what your priorities should be, but it's worth pointing out that if you want to make dentistry a priority, something else might have to bend somewhat in order to make it happen. Best of luck.

 

[OMFS2B]

You've been out of the game for 20 years. You would be better off returning to dental school for at least years 3 and 4. You'll be a huge burden on your co-residents if you did a GPR.

 

[gryffindor]

I am having a hard time believing the nature of this post. There are many people with very restrictive cultures who are practicing dentists. There are tons of dentists & jobs in NYC. Dentists don't starve there by any means. Ever open the NY Times classifieds? Plenty of jobs for dentists.

But giving you the benefit of the doubt... There are also tons of GPR programs in NYC as well.

http://www.adea.org/EPS/searchform.asp

You can search every program in NY on the above link. You could even call the programs and see if they still have a spot available now. Many of the larger programs often have spots available after the match, so it is possible they did not fill all of them by July 1.

And you better have a darn good reason at your interview of why you didn't practice for 20 years. What you've told us so far is fairly unconvincing since your culture let you out of the house to get educated & work for a while, and then it looks like you gave up for 2 decades (even if that's not why - you better have a good reason). Why would a program want to take a chance on you - what if you decide to give up again after 3 weeks?

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

I read the OP's post several times and I kept hearing " I wasn't allow this, I wasn't allow that.... You know what I mean..." This lead me to believe that you went to dental school and earned your DDS. Then you went to jail and was incarcerated in jail for two decades. Now, you want to know if there is a future for you in dentistry because you have not touch a handpiece in 20 years and as a convict. Well, with a felon in your record, it may be tough to get a state license. One of my friends got convicted from some minor offenses and this guy had to apply to 10 plus states to get his license. If what I am saying is NOT true, then come clean and tell us WHAT REALLY HAPPENED so we can help you. DP

 

[S Files]

I read the OP's post several times and I kept hearing " I wasn't allow this, I wasn't allow that.... You know what I mean..." This lead me to believe that you went to dental school and earned your DDS. Then you went to jail and was incarcerated in jail for two decades. Now, you want to know if there is a future for you in dentistry because you have not touch a handpiece in 20 years and as a convict. Well, with a felon in your record, it may be tough to get a state license. One of my friends got convicted from some minor offenses and this guy had to apply to 10 plus states to get his license. If what I am saying is NOT true, then come clean and tell us WHAT REALLY HAPPENED so we can help you. DP

ya tell us, i'm bored....who'd you bump off??why?? DP hangs out w/ a lot of undesirables as well.
also, i've never heard of anyone taking loans for an AEGD....Every single AEGD that i'm aware of provides a stipend. usually the stipend is 5-10% less than GPR b/c AEGD's don't take call.
and if you've been out of the game for 20 yrs, it'll take more than sdn'ers to bring you up to speed. i'd say repeat years 3 and 4 of d school again, or do a 2 year gpr/aegd program. 1 yr isn't nearly enough. dentistry's evolved a great deal in the last 5 years, let alone 20.

 

[rarm1]

Hello,
After 20 years with no dentistry, no current knowledge of the new procedures/products you need a refresher in DENTISTRY... for a GPR you will also need a refresher in medical problems.
You have told us little...
where are you - if NYC there are many positions you cold have found over the last 20 years.
what university/dental school you went to... they may have a special program for 2 or 3 years to help you (those for foreign graduates)
AEGDs/GPRs are programs to improve your skills not to reteach them... they start you working immediately with less supervision than dental school.

Having site visited many GPRs and running one for nearly 30 years I would be glad to answer questions if you want to private email or call