How to stand out among the rest for OMFS with Pass/Fail Boards!!??

[zoralsurgeon]

Hi SDN,
I am a D1 this Fall and was wondering your personal opinions in reference to the new NBDE Pass/Fail for my class...Obviously, for getting into residency the hopes of having a high score and it being to my advantage have died..haha.

What do I need to do to stand out from everyone else? When should I do these things you suggest? I have been told that getting good grades is much more important than me doing research - do you agree?

Also, please note - before you suggest that I enter school with an open mind b/c a lot can change - that I am indeed entering school with a very open mind =) However, I have followed 2 different OMFS for the last 6 years, completed a 3 month internship in OMFS in Latin America, etc. etc. Basically, I plan to become one (even said it multiple times in my interview) because it truly is something that I have enjoyed (during my internship AND shadowing) and absolutely would love to help others in this area...especially craniofacial deformities, trauma, pathology, etc....

Basically, how do I set myself a part from the rest when Board Scores seemed to be a huge factor up until now?

Thanks guys!

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[EXTwhizzy]

Good grades, a little research isn't bad to do. Extracurricular activities. 3-4 two week externships.

Also, staying humble (prob most impt).

 

[zoralsurgeon]

Good grades, a little research isn't bad to do. Extracurricular activities. 3-4 two week externships.

Also, staying humble (prob most impt).

Thanks much =) I know I probably sounded really conceited in my OP, but I swear to you I am one of the most humble people you would probably ever meet. I've been an "underdog" my entire life, having been forced to overcome ample adversity. It truly has shaped who I am today and although many tears have been shed I wouldn't be where I am today without it. It's just last time I asked for advice it turned into a 25 comment convo about how I need to not even consider specializing for 3 more years until I prove myself, I wasn't smart enough, bla bla bla, and my questions never got answered 😉 So I tried to make that convo not happen again!! But truthfully my friend, I appreciate your honest opinion!! I know for sure I am not the only person to have high interest in specializing prior to entering DS - in fact, doesn't that even look good for residency? I know there are millions of people that will forget more that I may ever know, I realize that I have a very long future ahead, but I am very excited for what is yet to come. I've had some crazy things happen in my life and I'm thankful to God to even be alive.

Now you say extracurricular activities...I was extremely involved in Undergrad - for DS - what types of things does this entail? My class is going to be very small, too, about 40 - if that makes any difference...

Also, one of my 2 OMFS friends got into residency basically through connections - and he openly says this haha - which, doesn't seem the most fair way - but welcome to America right!? lol. He tells me this constantly, but I absolutely will not rely on this, I am going to work my butt off because I feel sliding by will only hurt myself and my future patients. Definitely not fair to them.

Can I go anywhere for my externships? There will only be 1 (2 if I want to drive a looooong way) OMFS residency within *reasonable* driving distance of my school...:/ lol, welcome to the real world I guess haha?

Thank you for your honest advice!

 

[EXTwhizzy]

I did alot during dental school as far as being class president, representatives, and held offices in different associations at my dental school. Just looks good to be well rounded.

There are a ton of externships out there that you can do. Too many to name, but some notable ones are parkland and LSU-shreveport or new orleans. You'll get alot of experience.

Good luck!

 

[flapaTron]

Hi SDN,
I am a D1 this Fall and was wondering your personal opinions in reference to the new NBDE Pass/Fail for my class...Obviously, for getting into residency the hopes of having a high score and it being to my advantage have died..haha.

Basically, how do I set myself a part from the rest when Board Scores seemed to be a huge factor up until now?

don't stress the NBDE becoming P/F. the AAOMS is on top of this. some perspective:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=768261

http://www.aaoms.org/annual_meeting/2010/faculty_business_mtg.php

http://www.aaoms.org/annual_meeting/2011/faculty_resident.php?id=40

 

[Double Bonded]

How are applicants assessed if they go to a d-school with a P/F grading system?

 

[flapaTron]

How are applicants assessed if they go to a d-school with a P/F grading system?

it simply is not factored into the equation, so to speak. it is "not applicable". this is exactly why a standardized test is essential - to objectively compare applicants from all schools together.

 

[txlonghorn]

it simply is not factored into the equation, so to speak. it is "not applicable". this is exactly why a standardized test is essential - to objectively compare applicants from all schools together.

Yeah, unless they decide to go with the subjective ETS PPI. However, I have a feeling that the modified version of the NBME CBSSA will be implemented.

 

[Charmm]

I've heard from a program director that the NBME is the test substituting NBDE I for OMFS; JUSTICE FOR ALL 👍

 

[zoralsurgeon]

I've heard from a program director that the NBME is the test substituting NBDE I for OMFS; JUSTICE FOR ALL 👍

So is this basically going to be another hoop to jump through? Also, when would we take the NBME? It would be nice to take it after the first 2 years of DS..right?? Please let me know your opinions on this! ty

 

[JDIZNEY]

Anyone willing to enlighten a brother on the difference between USMLE and NBME? Consider it your good deed for the day! 😀

 

[senpai]

Anyone willing to enlighten a brother on the difference between USMLE and NBME? Consider it your good deed for the day! 😀

Remember in high school when you took the pre-SAT and then the SAT??? It is essentialy the same idea. The NBME is like a practice test that medical students take to see how prepared they are for the actual USMLE. Content is basically the same.

 

[Charmm]

So is this basically going to be another hoop to jump through? Also, when would we take the NBME? It would be nice to take it after the first 2 years of DS..right?? Please let me know your opinions on this! ty

another hoop or an opportunity, depends on your point of view. For that level of details we need to wait till September when they announce it

 

[JDIZNEY]

Thanks much =) I know I probably sounded really conceited in my OP, but I swear to you I am one of the most humble people you would probably ever meet. I've been an "underdog" my entire life, having been forced to overcome ample adversity. It truly has shaped who I am today and although many tears have been shed I wouldn't be where I am today without it. It's just last time I asked for advice it turned into a 25 comment convo about how I need to not even consider specializing for 3 more years until I prove myself, I wasn't smart enough, bla bla bla, and my questions never got answered 😉 So I tried to make that convo not happen again!! But truthfully my friend, I appreciate your honest opinion!! I know for sure I am not the only person to have high interest in specializing prior to entering DS - in fact, doesn't that even look good for residency? I know there are millions of people that will forget more that I may ever know, I realize that I have a very long future ahead, but I am very excited for what is yet to come. I've had some crazy things happen in my life and I'm thankful to God to even be alive.

Now you say extracurricular activities...I was extremely involved in Undergrad - for DS - what types of things does this entail? My class is going to be very small, too, about 40 - if that makes any difference...

Also, one of my 2 OMFS friends got into residency basically through connections - and he openly says this haha - which, doesn't seem the most fair way - but welcome to America right!? lol. He tells me this constantly, but I absolutely will not rely on this, I am going to work my butt off because I feel sliding by will only hurt myself and my future patients. Definitely not fair to them.

Can I go anywhere for my externships? There will only be 1 (2 if I want to drive a looooong way) OMFS residency within *reasonable* driving distance of my school...:/ lol, welcome to the real world I guess haha?

Thank you for your honest advice!

NO!!!! I am the most humble person you will ever meet!

 

[txlonghorn]

another hoop or an opportunity, depends on your point of view. For that level of details we need to wait till September when they announce it

Opportunity? Like, as in having the opportunity to take another standardized test? lol. I could see how it might be beneficial, to an extent, for programs that require taking the Step 1 before starting the OMFS residency, such as Case Western. However, given the likelihood of taking the NBME after year 2 of dental school, it would be a waste to have to re-memorize all the information after D4 again to take the USMLE. Just seems like another hoop and a way for the programs to use a number to separate candidates.

 

[Michael Scarn]

It will most definitely be an opportunity for all those who took part 1 and didnt score well, and who are stuck in GP but want to do OMS.

I bet there will be a big influx of guys who have been out of dental school a while for the first couple years after the NBME becomes the standard.

 

[txlonghorn]

It will most definitely be an opportunity for all those who took part 1 and didnt score well, and who are stuck in GP but want to do OMS.

I bet there will be a big influx of guys who have been out of dental school a while for the first couple years after the NBME becomes the standard.

Well, that point does make sense in the NBME qualifying as an opportunity.

 

[justwant]

It will most definitely be an opportunity for all those who took part 1 and didnt score well, and who are stuck in GP but want to do OMS.

I bet there will be a big influx of guys who have been out of dental school a while for the first couple years after the NBME becomes the standard.

i swear to god, these corrupt educational institutions are TRYING THEIR VERY HARDEST to make students get NO return on their educational investments..these corrupt higher educational institutions want to make things bad for graduating students. Watch now there will be an oversaturation of OMFS in the country

i don't think its a conspiracy theory anymore, these educational institutions are crooks purposefully trying to mess up grads and students

anyways goodluck to u both scarn and txlong. hopefully these crooks don't make things too bad

 

[Michael Scarn]

There cannot be a change in the saturation of OMS if the number of residency positions doesn't change.
How competitive it is to get in might change though. And the more competitive the better. Although that is easy for me to say...