How to get into specialty residency programs?

[DenTony11235]

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What is the procedure? Is it based on how well I score on exams in dental school? Do some schools provide their students with more specialty residency opportunities than others or is landing a specialty residency independent of which school you went to? I just applied to dental schools and want to know the answers to these questions to best assist my decision making. Thanks guys!

 

[Mackchops]

A lot depends on the specialty, but in general they are looking for 1) accomplishment in something (grades, research, student government, etc) and 2) demonstrated interest in the specialty for which you are applying. It's a lot like applying to anything else academic - like dental school.

 

[DenTony11235]

A lot depends on the specialty, but in general they are looking for 1) accomplishment in something (grades, research, student government, etc) and 2) demonstrated interest in the specialty for which you are applying. It's a lot like applying to anything else academic - like dental school.

Do some schools offer their students more placement in specialty programs than other schools?

 

[yappy]

I was curious how work experience is considered when applying to specialties? For example - if an applicant has done a GPR, and four years of military service as a GP, are grades as important at that point as a newly graduated DDS/DMD?

I think I may be interested in one specialty; however, I plan to work as a GP for four years in the military. Also, if class rank is not kept then what is considered a competitive GPA? 3.5+?

Thank you

 

[Mackchops]

As many years as I've been on SDN, it seems like there's always at least one active thread on whether the dental school you go to will help/hurt your chances of getting into a specialty. Do a search and you'll find tons of info. My personal belief is some schools seem like they have a better placement rate then others because some schools more actively encourage their graduates to seek post-graduate training than others - but this doesn't mean it elevates your chances...

And Yappy, I think that military experience will be viewed positively by a lot of programs depending on the specialty. I don't think it would make up for a sub-3.0 gpa but if you're already competitive and the other guy is coming straight out of dental school I would think you'd have the leg up. Just an assumption though.