****Official PASS 2025 Dental Anesthesiology Residency Interviews/Information~

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Are you taking CBSE July 2024

  • Total voters
    19
kamsartipi said:
would you say top10 with 40 CBSE is good enough?
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Yes but it’s not guaranteed. We take the entire application into account and it won’t exclude you but to improve your odds I’d say anyone <50 should retake it. If anything it shows dedication if you are willing to retake it.
 
Does anyone know how rigid is the registration deadline is if we wanted to register for the July exam? I had some unforseen circumstances on my end and missed it.
 
A Note on Externships from the Other Side of the Process

Hi everyone—
If you’re here, it means that you’re probably interested in dental anesthesiology and are looking for insight into the field, training, and what makes a successful applicant. As someone who sees this process from the other side, I want to share a few important thoughts—especially about externships.

Externships are informal interviews.
At many programs (especially those with virtual interviews), your externship is our chance to meet you and assess whether you’d be a good fit for our program and culture. It’s also your chance to meet the residents, attendings, and decide if the program fits you. It works both ways.

Getting to the externship isn’t automatic.
Yes, hospitals support externships—but only with proper documentation. Think about it: would you want a random observer around while your mom was having surgery? We need to know who’s in the building. Every extern has to submit paperwork before they’re approved to be onsite. Keep in mind that someone has to process this paperwork, and that takes time as well.

Externship spots are limited.
Most programs accommodate 50+ externs per year, but we can’t schedule during holidays, weekends, or certain weeks (like when new residents start). We limit externships to applicants intending to apply in the current application cycle. That is also for the extern's benefit because the programs and teams evolve and the place that you visit as a D1 is not going to be the same program that you apply to as a D4. That’s why it’s important to:
  • Reach out early. Have multiple date options in mind.
  • Act quickly after contact. If you wait too long to submit paperwork, your preferred dates may be taken.
  • Be mindful of communication and time management. Your ability to follow through efficiently tells us a lot about how you’ll function as a resident.
You don’t need prior anesthesia knowledge.
Seriously—no one expects you to show up knowing how to run a case. This isn’t a test of your skills. You need your first externship somewhere, and we get that. We’ll assess your academic readiness through your grades and CBSE scores. Externships are more about professionalism, communication, and cultural fit.

And yes, there’s admin work—get used to it.
If you find the externship process burdensome, residency may not be for you. Dental anesthesiology residents are expected to document everything: clinical work, immunizations, CPR, licenses, case logs, duty hours, presentations—you name it. Organization and follow-through are essential skills for both residency and your future career.

Wishing you all the best in the process—
Take it seriously, and take initiative.
 
treesandsteeps said:
A Note on Externships from the Other Side of the Process

Hi everyone—
If you’re here, it means that you’re probably interested in dental anesthesiology and are looking for insight into the field, training, and what makes a successful applicant. As someone who sees this process from the other side, I want to share a few important thoughts—especially about externships.

Externships are informal interviews.
At many programs (especially those with virtual interviews), your externship is our chance to meet you and assess whether you’d be a good fit for our program and culture. It’s also your chance to meet the residents, attendings, and decide if the program fits you. It works both ways.

Getting to the externship isn’t automatic.
Yes, hospitals support externships—but only with proper documentation. Think about it: would you want a random observer around while your mom was having surgery? We need to know who’s in the building. Every extern has to submit paperwork before they’re approved to be onsite. Keep in mind that someone has to process this paperwork, and that takes time as well.

Externship spots are limited.
Most programs accommodate 50+ externs per year, but we can’t schedule during holidays, weekends, or certain weeks (like when new residents start). We limit externships to applicants intending to apply in the current application cycle. That is also for the extern's benefit because the programs and teams evolve and the place that you visit as a D1 is not going to be the same program that you apply to as a D4. That’s why it’s important to:
  • Reach out early. Have multiple date options in mind.
  • Act quickly after contact. If you wait too long to submit paperwork, your preferred dates may be taken.
  • Be mindful of communication and time management. Your ability to follow through efficiently tells us a lot about how you’ll function as a resident.
You don’t need prior anesthesia knowledge.
Seriously—no one expects you to show up knowing how to run a case. This isn’t a test of your skills. You need your first externship somewhere, and we get that. We’ll assess your academic readiness through your grades and CBSE scores. Externships are more about professionalism, communication, and cultural fit.

And yes, there’s admin work—get used to it.
If you find the externship process burdensome, residency may not be for you. Dental anesthesiology residents are expected to document everything: clinical work, immunizations, CPR, licenses, case logs, duty hours, presentations—you name it. Organization and follow-through are essential skills for both residency and your future career.

Wishing you all the best in the process—
Take it seriously, and take initiative.
Click to expand...
This is a really helpful post! I think one other thing that I would really recommend to applicants is to visit the ASDA conference (which just passed) because it’s an opportunity to meet residents and program directors and attendings from many programs in one place. The programs also do a little presentation, which can be helpful to learn more about them. It can be expensive to do externships, and you want to devote enough time to the programs you are really interested in too. Anyways, I think that going to ASDA may help you decide where you want to go to an externship better and you may even love a program that wasn’t even on your radar initially.
 
Sorry to hijack the thread, but how long are CBSE scores valid for DA residency? For example if someone can't apply immediately after school but wants to apply after 4/5 years would it make sense to take the CBSE while still in dental school?
 
No problem at all—great question. The CBSE score reflects your knowledge and test-taking ability at a specific point in time. If you plan to apply 4–5 years after dental school, it's important to recognize that some knowledge decay is expected—similar to what we see with clinical certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS, where skills begin to decline after just six months, even though the renewal cycle is every two years.

That said, a strong CBSE score still demonstrates that you had the ability to manage your time, study effectively, and perform under pressure. The longer the interval between the exam and your application, the stronger the score should be.

Also, consider the academic context of your dental school—if it’s pass/fail and doesn’t report class rank or GPA, objective data like the CBSE becomes even more important. Programs need some way to assess a candidate’s academic potential, especially for a training environment where a significant amount of self-directed learning is expected to supplement formal lectures and clinical training.

Fortunately, dental anesthesiology programs are not under the same pressure as OMFS programs to meet strict CBSE cutoffs tied to medical school admissions, so there’s more flexibility in how scores are interpreted.
 
Hey everyone—hope you’re all doing well. I’ve gotten a few DMs with similar questions, so I’ll try to address them here. I’ll post more when I get the chance.



Previous categorical residency: This can be a double-edged sword. It brings valuable experience, but may limit GME funding. If you’ve completed a prior residency, make sure you know whether it was a categorical or non-categorical GME-funded position, and check with individual programs to confirm if it affects your eligibility.



Gaps in training/work: Be ready to explain any gaps—programs will notice and want clarity.



Externships: Programs want you to see them as they truly are, ideally reflecting how they’ll function when you apply. This helps you make an informed decision, and keep in mind that programs can evolve over time.



Another note on externships: Prioritize spending time with the residents—they’ll give you the most honest view. Some program directors may intentionally step back to avoid the appearance of preference. That distance is also meant to create a safe space for you to ask candid questions and form your own impressions. The goal is for you to walk into interviews with a clearer sense of what you’re looking for and how to present yourself effectively.



Letters of recommendation: Make them count. At a minimum, you’ll need an institutional evaluation from your dean. If you’ve done a previous residency, a letter from your former PD is essential—a weak or missing PD letter is a red flag. A strong letter from your clinic director is also important—they can speak to your coachability and daily performance. Academic letters (e.g., pharmacology or anesthesia professors) help demonstrate your didactic foundation. Letters from research mentors or faculty you’ve worked with as a tutor are also fair game. As for letters from DAs: their value depends on the depth of the relationship. Five glowing letters from DAs who never critiqued you or observed how you take feedback can come across as name-dropping—and may actually backfire.



Wishing you all the best in the process—

Take it seriously, and take initiative.
 
I wanted to share a few thoughts, as some recurring themes have been coming up with the current applicant pool:

Many students hope to schedule externships during summer break or an off month from clinic. While that may seem ideal from a student perspective, summer is actually one of the busiest and most transitional times for residency programs. New residents are onboarding, schedules are shifting, and faculty and clinical bandwidth are limited. When 60+ applicants all request summer externships, it simply isn’t feasible.

If you're serious about pursuing this specialty, it's important to understand that you may need to take time off from school to extern. That means planning your clinical schedule in advance, staying ahead on requirements, coordinating with your school, and sometimes sacrificing vacation time. Sacrifice and grit are key traits for success in residency. How you handle externship logistics now often reflects how you’ll approach the demands of residency later.

Some applicants assume that programs will hold spots or accommodate their availability. This signals poor time management at best—or entitlement at worst. Externships fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Not responding promptly or failing to close the loop can cost you the opportunity altogether. Respect for scheduling, deadlines, and others' time is essential. A lack of regard for these boundaries can come across as unprofessional or even narcissistic.

If you’re genuinely interested in a program, show it through your initiative, preparation, and professionalism. Your first impression starts long before you walk through the door.
 
treesandsteeps said:
I wanted to share a few thoughts, as some recurring themes have been coming up with the current applicant pool:

Many students hope to schedule externships during summer break or an off month from clinic. While that may seem ideal from a student perspective, summer is actually one of the busiest and most transitional times for residency programs. New residents are onboarding, schedules are shifting, and faculty and clinical bandwidth are limited. When 60+ applicants all request summer externships, it simply isn’t feasible.

If you're serious about pursuing this specialty, it's important to understand that you may need to take time off from school to extern. That means planning your clinical schedule in advance, staying ahead on requirements, coordinating with your school, and sometimes sacrificing vacation time. Sacrifice and grit are key traits for success in residency. How you handle externship logistics now often reflects how you’ll approach the demands of residency later.

Some applicants assume that programs will hold spots or accommodate their availability. This signals poor time management at best—or entitlement at worst. Externships fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Not responding promptly or failing to close the loop can cost you the opportunity altogether. Respect for scheduling, deadlines, and others' time is essential. A lack of regard for these boundaries can come across as unprofessional or even narcissistic.

If you’re genuinely interested in a program, show it through your initiative, preparation, and professionalism. Your first impression starts long before you walk through the door.
Click to expand...
Yes. Why would we want an applicant who won’t make time for the program and only wants to extern when convenient? Once residency starts there is even less “convenience” for things, especially if you’re at a program with a more rigorous schedule (NYU for example)
 
SuxDrugs&Rocuronium said:
Yes. Why would we want an applicant who won’t make time for the program and only wants to extern when convenient? Once residency starts there is even less “convenience” for things, especially if you’re at a program with a more rigorous schedule (NYU for example)
Click to expand...
what if you have already graduated - is it too late to try to shadow at hospitals?
 
sparklingwatergirl said:
does anyone know which programs won't interview you unless you've done an externship with them?
Click to expand...
Externship aren’t an automatic interview or rejection. It’s one part of your application (albeit a significant experience). If you want to apply to a program you really should extern there. The residents will be able to get to know you and you will be able to get to know the program better. Externing is a pretty essential part of the application process, otherwise how do you know if you like a program or not?
 
will there be fewer spots this year due to the Medicaid cuts? also, is class rank more important or ur CBSE score?
 
SuxDrugs&Rocuronium said:
Externship aren’t an automatic interview or rejection. It’s one part of your application (albeit a significant experience). If you want to apply to a program you really should extern there. The residents will be able to get to know you and you will be able to get to know the program better. Externing is a pretty essential part of the application process, otherwise how do you know if you like a program or not?
Click to expand...
Assuming an individual has graduated already and started being more into anesthesia and medicine in their 4th year (aka could not land an externship), what recommendation would you have to increase competitiveness? This is aside from being top 10%, leadership positions, research, etc. Thanks so much by the way doctor, your help and advice are golden
 
willydrills said:
will there be fewer spots this year due to the Medicaid cuts? also, is class rank more important or ur CBSE score?
Click to expand...
I don’t see why this would impact the positions. UNLV might stick with three or go up to four but that is just a matter for how they think their first years are doing and if they think they’re ready for more residents.

It’s a group package (all factors are taken into account). They’re all important but it’s not as binary as having a CBSE for OMFS or grades + research + leadership for ortho. Reach out to people while on externships and they’ll be able to help guide you.
 
kamsartipi said:
Assuming an individual has graduated already and started being more into anesthesia and medicine in their 4th year (aka could not land an externship), what recommendation would you have to increase competitiveness? This is aside from being top 10%, leadership positions, research, etc. Thanks so much by the way doctor, your help and advice are golden
Click to expand...
You are always able to do externships even after graduating. Are you more saying that you don’t have time / ability to extern at programs?
 
sonicfighter said:
You are always able to do externships even after graduating. Are you more saying that you don’t have time / ability to extern at programs?
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Some programs do not allow you to extern after you graduate unfortunately.
 
sonicfighter said:
I don’t see why this would impact the positions. UNLV might stick with three or go up to four but that is just a matter for how they think their first years are doing and if they think they’re ready for more residents.

It’s a group package (all factors are taken into account). They’re all important but it’s not as binary as having a CBSE for OMFS or grades + research + leadership for ortho. Reach out to people while on externships and they’ll be able to help guide you.
Click to expand...
Is residency not funded by GME (funding from medicaid)? Hopefully with the lack of funding, positions will still remain available
 
SuxDrugs&Rocuronium said:
Residency is funded by GME not Medicaid
Click to expand...
He’s not wrong there … Residency is funded by GME but that’s under the Medicaid umbrella.

Any of the bill that I have read (and had chat gpt review as well 😂) didn’t mention any decreases in education funding of Medicaid. It targets a number of billing codes and restrictions on a number of requirements to be eligible for procedures but I didn’t find anything on training restrictions. Happy to be proved wrong but haven’t heard of any issues on our programs end.
 
sonicfighter said:
He’s not wrong there … Residency is funded by GME but that’s under the Medicaid umbrella.

Any of the bill that I have read (and had chat gpt review as well 😂) didn’t mention any decreases in education funding of Medicaid. It targets a number of billing codes and restrictions on a number of requirements to be eligible for procedures but I didn’t find anything on training restrictions. Happy to be proved wrong but haven’t heard of any issues on our programs end.
Click to expand...
Yeah, you’re right. I highly doubt this bill will affect gme funding though
 
sparklingwatergirl said:
does anyone know which programs won't interview you unless you've done an externship with them?
Click to expand...
“Typically” Pitt and Stony, but most programs are expecting you to extern as a base line and if not able to … instead shadow a DA in your area that graduated or has ties to a program your interested. DA community is beyond small so having good rapport with someone can typically translate to a phone call from a PD to the person you shadowed for a verbal “how is this candidate” and “would you recommend sending an interview invitation.”

Also having a stellar CBSE/extracurriculars/grades can sometimes override this requirement but that’s in the 74+ EPC range.
 
kamsartipi said:
For instance university of Toronto (I live in Canada).
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Canada’s the unique one … most of us are in US programs + US Dental school graduates so unfortunately it’s not in our interest to pursue a program that requires tuition like UoT. We’ve paid enough for our dental schools as it is 😭.

Something to consider is going to the ASDA conference next year. UoT came this year and their booth was deserted compared to the US programs. It was only my friend that was talking to them for the most part and they loved the one on one attention.
 
sonicfighter said:
Canada’s the unique one … most of us are in US programs + US Dental school graduates so unfortunately it’s not in our interest to pursue a program that requires tuition like UoT. We’ve paid enough for our dental schools as it is 😭.

Something to consider is going to the ASDA conference next year. UoT came this year and their booth was deserted compared to the US programs. It was only my friend that was talking to them for the most part and they loved the one on one attention.
Click to expand...
Yes, and UoT had dropouts annually the past few years, including no graduates from the class of 2025 due to dropouts. I think they probably prefer Canadian grads over us.
 
sonicfighter said:
Canada’s the unique one … most of us are in US programs + US Dental school graduates so unfortunately it’s not in our interest to pursue a program that requires tuition like UoT. We’ve paid enough for our dental schools as it is 😭.

Something to consider is going to the ASDA conference next year. UoT came this year and their booth was deserted compared to the US programs. It was only my friend that was talking to them for the most part and they loved the one on one attention.
Click to expand...
Thanks that’s great to know I will forsure attend 🙂
 
drillwithbill said:
Yes, and UoT had dropouts annually the past few years, including no graduates from the class of 2025 due to dropouts. I think they probably prefer Canadian grads over us.
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Damn, I had no idea about that.

Yea, it’s also not a recognized specialty yet and so you can only practice in the Ontario province too which can be limiting.

Also, none of these comments are knocks at the program it’s just that if we’re considering careers to go into it’s going to be a better ROI for the US students to go to the programs that allow us to practice in any state and not pay tuition.
 
sonicfighter said:
Damn, I had no idea about that.

Yea, it’s also not a recognized specialty yet and so you can only practice in the Ontario province too which can be limiting.

Also, none of these comments are knocks at the program it’s just that if we’re considering careers to go into it’s going to be a better ROI for the US students to go to the programs that allow us to practice in any state and not pay tuition.
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To be fair - I don’t think outside of Ontario there would be much opportunity for an anesthiologist anyway. Plus only 1 or 2 I believe get trained per year IN THE COUNTRY.
 
sonicfighter said:
“Typically” Pitt and Stony, but most programs are expecting you to extern as a base line and if not able to … instead shadow a DA in your area that graduated or has ties to a program your interested. DA community is beyond small so having good rapport with someone can typically translate to a phone call from a PD to the person you shadowed for a verbal “how is this candidate” and “would you recommend sending an interview invitation.”

Also having a stellar CBSE/extracurriculars/grades can sometimes override this requirement but that’s in the 74+ EPC range.
Click to expand...
Also consider - any programs that conduct virtual interviews expect externships. They don’t want to risk matching a candidate who has never seen or experienced the program in some capacity. However, since the candidates (the competitive ones ) are doing externships anyway, doing an externship and then a virtual interview is the programs way of mitigating expenses and travel time for applicants, rather than expecting applicants to travel for both.
 
When is the best time to do externships? I've been working as a full time dentist for the past 3 years and just recently decided to apply for dental anesthesiology next cycle (apply in 2026 to hopefully start in 2027). I'm assuming it'd be better to extern closer to the application deadline (Sept/Oct) so that I stay more in the program's mind? So would it be useful to shadow closer to Jan-May time?

Also if anyone has any experience studying for CBSE while working full time, please PM me!
 
realitea said:
When is the best time to do externships? I've been working as a full time dentist for the past 3 years and just recently decided to apply for dental anesthesiology next cycle (apply in 2026 to hopefully start in 2027). I'm assuming it'd be better to extern closer to the application deadline (Sept/Oct) so that I stay more in the program's mind? So would it be useful to shadow closer to Jan-May time?

Also if anyone has any experience studying for CBSE while working full time, please PM me!
Click to expand...
In the spring / summer before July 1st and then in late August or early September after the first year residents are done being onboarded.
 
how many reference letters should we have? there's space to upload 5 on ADEA PASS but do schools expect us to get all 5 or are 3-4 enough?
 
sonicfighter said:
In the spring / summer before July 1st and then in late August or early September after the first year residents are done being onboarded.
Click to expand...
Don’t try to come in the summer. It’s a crazy time. The only impression an applicant will leave is that they have poor time management skills and they felt entitled to visit during an already busy time when all program resources are dedicated to the new residents. Come in the winter (after match) or spring.
 
treesandsteeps said:
Don’t try to come in the summer. It’s a crazy time. The only impression an applicant will leave is that they have poor time management skills and they felt entitled to visit during an already busy time when all program resources are dedicated to the new residents. Come in the winter (after match) or spring.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your insight. Do you think it would be more advantageous to apply for an externship after my CBSE score is released in February 2026 (Assuming it's good score)? I’m concerned about my class ranking, and it's been over five years since I graduated.
 
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