If you had to pick a specialty which would it be?

[Advance]

It's a little early to decide a specialty but many applicants have shadowed multiple dental specialties and I am curious to see which one is the most popular amongst the forum.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Prediction 1: OMFS wins
Prediction 2: Not a single person on SDN is surprised

 

[ncide]

I've worked with quite a few specialists since I am an assistant in a specialty clinic. Personally, I like perio or prostho the most. I am torn between the two.

OMFS is awesome, but I want a life outside of work. If you work outside of the hospital, you are pretty much pulling thirds and placing implants, which many other specialties also do (prostho, perio, and even some endodontists place implants).

A lot of people don't know about the subspecialty of prostho which is maxillofacial prosthodontics. They replace eyes, noses, ears, all sorts of things that make a huge difference in people's lives.

 

[Incis0r]

General all the way! I used to have a preference for one specialty, but I've decided that I like all the procedures and I can't see myself committing to just one of them for my entire career.

I want to do as much as I safely and competently can do.

 

[Advance]

I've worked with quite a few specialists since I am an assistant in a specialty clinic. Personally, I like perio or prostho the most. I am torn between the two.

OMFS is awesome, but I want a life outside of work. If you work outside of the hospital, you are pretty much pulling thirds and placing implants, which many other specialties also do (prostho, perio, and even some endodontists place implants).

A lot of people don't know about the subspecialty of prostho which is maxillofacial prosthodontics. They replace eyes, noses, ears, all sorts of things that make a huge difference in people's lives.

That's pretty cool. I didn't know that.

 

[PocketRocket]

I have always sort of been the "jack of all trades" in life which is why I think I'll enjoy being general more than specializing. Also, saying that you want to specialize before being exposed to all aspects of dentistry first is, I think, kind of an ego thing. I love how when I first told my parents that I want to go into dentistry they immediately "suggested" I do ortho. Then, a week later, after my dad "did his research", he asks me, "Son, have you ever heard of OMFS"..

But yeah ultimately it comes down to what you enjoy busting your balls for most. If you like versatility, do general. If you like RCT/Implants, do endo/perio... I imagine it all comes down to what you feel you are best at

 

[strep mutans]

That's pretty cool. I didn't know that.

It's called anaplastology, and Baylor has an amazing department for this, fyi.

http://bcd.tamhsc.edu/oral-surgery/cmp/anaplastology.html

 

[ncide]

I have always sort of been the "jack of all trades" in life which is why I think I'll enjoy being general more than specializing. Also, saying that you want to specialize before being exposed to all aspects of dentistry first is, I think, kind of an ego thing. I love how when I first told my parents that I want to go into dentistry they immediately "suggested" I do ortho. Then, a week later, after my dad "did his research", he asks me, "Son, have you ever heard of OMFS"..

But yeah ultimately it comes down to what you enjoy busting your balls for most. If you like versatility, do general. If you like RCT/Implants, do endo/perio... I imagine it all comes down to what you feel you are best at

Look into prosthodontics. You are still pretty much a generalist, but whenever a more complex comes along that requires full-mouth restoration, you can feel confident about tackling the case.

I'm like you. I want to take on a diverse set of procedures. I don't like monotony and the challenges that come in general practice appeal to me the most, especially when you are proactive and choose to expand your skill-set. Plus you get really close to your patients since you see them throughout their life.

 

[Dent5291]

As far as best career outlook I would have to say OMFS. However, I think Ortho is what I would enjoy the most.

 

[JLT223]

Perio. When the implants fail from GPs who took a weekend CE course and I have cases of severe peri-implantitis, I'll be loling. Plus, I think sinus lifts and bone grafting is awesome.

 

[The real 007]

I'm most likely sticking to general, although OMFS would be kind of cool.