GPR before getting into Specialty program

[Jone]

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I have heard doing a GPR or AEGD can help you get into more competitive specialty programs if you are not able to get into one straight out of D-School.

How about working in private practice for a year or two, rather than doing a GPR/AEGD? Would this have the same affect? Just thought this might be a better option since one could make more money to pay off loans during those 1 or 2 years prior to getting into your desired specialty.

 

[Yah-E]

Yeah, give that a shot and let us know.

 

[Tightseal]

Yeah............that is something I am currently debating on too. If there is anyone out there with some opinion, would really appreciate if you post something on this. I always wonder why students who want to specialize, want to do a GPR rather than entering into the real world dentistry, would'nt that be valued more than a GPR when you apply?

 

[north2southOMFS]

Because the real world of dentistry is also called learning by trial and error. In a GPR or AEGD you are still being taught by someone with superior knowledge. This looks better on a transcript, also you are still keeping yourself in the didactic world of dentistry, whereas in private practice you are kinda just doing the work based on what you have already learned, and the opportunity to learn and try new things isn't quite as readily available. But then again, what do I know. Go for either, I'm sure you'll do just fine.

 

[toofache32]

I think it depends on the specialty. I used to hear that Endo likes private practice people, Ortho likes AEGD/GPR people, and OMS likes people who do the 1-year OMS internships.

Don't forget that it's very easy to get "trapped" in private practice. Especially if you have ownership...it can be tough to convince yourself that it is worth it. Also, I think many people go into private practice planning on specializing later, but never do because they're used to the good life and good money, whereas specialty training will make you take a hit back to 30-35K for several years.

 

[Tightseal]

Thanks for sharing. I think there are a lot too many things to be learned in dentistry. Although GPR/AEGD programs do teach you a lot but I don't think 1 or 2 year of training would eliminate the trial and error. Also choosing the right GPR/AEGD program is important. There are just too many of them and I don't think all of them are as good. .............more opinions, keep them rolling.

 

[BSSO]

I think that the biggest advantage to doing and GPR is that you can work close to a deptartment that you want to do a residency in. Like if you want to do ortho you would pick a GPR program where there is a good ortho dept., work with them more and get your name out there and that your interested. That is just my take though.

 

[gryffindor]

I think it depends on the specialty. I used to hear that Endo likes private practice people, Ortho likes AEGD/GPR people, and OMS likes people who do the 1-year OMS internships.

I've heard the same thing, and was advised that "a GPR looks better" when I was trying to sort out what to do last year after I didn't get into ortho. So now I'm in a GPR and it hasn't hurt me yet... But I can probably better answer your question after Ortho match day this year in early December.

 

[koobpheej]

For OMS, they don't want people who have practiced in a dental office and then try to return. The thinking is that OMS training sucks, probably worse than D school (may depend on school and program), and historically the majority of people that have entered OMS training after working in the real world leave prematurely and don't finish the program. A GPR is better, the director of the Highland Hospital program told me that doing the dental anesthesia residency (even for one out of the two years) all but guarantees you an OMS spot, if that is your ultimate goal.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Endo also likes GPR/AEGD folks.