How to approach OMFS interviews

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I have a good CBSE score of 71 and a have worked for the past few years. I am 4 years out of school. I was on the fence originally about doing OMFS. Truthfully I want to do OMFS because I like surgery more than anything, despise general dentistry, and want to be paid well. I feel like this isnt a good answer. My colleagues have told me they stated they just want to do Orthognathics, trauma, save the world, etc. I also didn't want to do a non-cat. I view it as a dumb endeavor. Its free labor for the program and doesn't necessarily amount to much. I make 350k a year now. I have met many people that have had to do 2-3 non-cats. Most of them have low CBSE scores < 60 though.

How do I answer the question why I havent done a non-cat? How do I answer why I decided to do OMFS now after so long?

 

[HockeyDocOMFS]

I think a reasonable excuse is you didn't know if you were interested at first, but then realized you had more time to study for CBSE compared to those doing non-cats

 

[Wisetoothshucker]

yeah on the interview id basically tell them something like you realized you love surgery, you didn’t like general dentistry, and you’d rather do residency straight away but if you have to do a noncat you’ll do one.

I’d include that last part, even if you don’t want to do a noncat, I think they like to hear that. Some programs are nervous about accepting ppl from private practice bc they’re used to a certain lifestyle and may not be committed. I know plenty of residents that came from PP, no noncat, and are doing rly well. I also know one guy who was a rly successful GP, kept applying to noncats but flaking on them, finally matched to a 4 yr but quit earlier this year. So obviously not everyone is like him, but I think programs are a bit nervous, so just emphasize your commitment and you’ll be good

 

[gigachadomfs]

You have a solid enough score to interview. Programs might be hesitant to interview you because you've been out for so long and may not know what experiences you've had with full scope OMFS or externships. You can mention that you were still undecided and wanted to get a good CBSE before fully committing to a non-cat because you wouldn't be able to study during that time. IMO if you apply, you have to be willing to do a non-cat worst-case scenario, and if you interview, that's what you should tell them

Also, doing 1 non-cat is enough; people who do more than one non-cat usually don't have good CBSE scores, but I wouldn't put you in that category. For your friends that think they are gonna save the world, 95% chance they end up pulling teeth and placing implants when they graduate. That's just the reality once you make it through a tough residency.