Is it okay to not have OMFS faculty recommendation from my dental school?

[pleaseomfs]

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Hello,

I graduated from dental school two years ago and am applying for OMFS residency this year.

I reached out to the OMFS faculty last week and followed up this week, but I haven’t received a response. Since I wasn’t interested in OMFS during dental school, I didn’t establish strong relationships with the faculty. Now, as I apply for externships, I’ve noticed that some programs require a recommendation from an OMFS faculty member.

Would it be acceptable to obtain a recommendation from a surgeon I’ve worked with after graduating? I also know some surgeons who are willing to write me a recommendation when I apply.

I’d appreciate your advice. Thank you!

 

[unsatisfiedomfs]

Programs typically want at least a letter from the department head of your OMFS program, two years is not that far remote for it to be written off.

I didn’t know I wanted to do OMFS until probably fourth year, I reached out to our chair at the school and he wrote me a half decent one. Most of them will send a generic one talking about your grades anyways. So I’d get a couple of strong ones from outside surgeons but still ask for one from the school.

Good luck this year!

 

[pleaseomfs]

Programs typically want at least a letter from the department head of your OMFS program, two years is not that far remote for it to be written off.

I didn’t know I wanted to do OMFS until probably fourth year, I reached out to our chair at the school and he wrote me a half decent one. Most of them will send a generic one talking about your grades anyways. So I’d get a couple of strong ones from outside surgeons but still ask for one from the school.

Good luck this year!

Thanks! The chair/program director changed since I graduated. But I guess they’ll write a generic one anyways so I’ll reach out to the chair instead of a faculty member. Thanks!

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

Do a 1 week externship with them, and you'll get your letter(s).