OMFS Prepare for Private Practice

Started by carabelliscusp
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carabelliscusp

carabelliscusp

Full Member
2+ Year Member
I’m curious how a lot of OMFS residents who come from programs that don’t really prepare you for practice actually get ready for it. Besides teeth and simple titanium, it seems a lot of programs do not adequately prepare you numbers wise for sinus lifts, block grafts, apicos, and other procedures that are private practice scope but a bit rarer than the typical T+T. How does the transition work? Read textbooks? Take CE?
 
I agree, you have been trained surgically to a level way beyond the PP procedures. Your training will translate well and there is always a little trail and error. I have been in academics and part time PP for 12+ years. I still learn new things each year that I wasn't taught in residency. This is the lifelong learning part of our profession. Are you planning on being part of any training program, hospital call, etc.?
 
Im about to start at a full scope practice but primarily it’s high volume teeth and titanium. I’ve wondered the same thing since I’ve done more facial fractures than implants in residency. The same was true for a future of the current docs at the practice. They just told me not to worry about, and they figured it out and things are fine. So, I’m just taking their word for it and going it with a good attitude and willingness to work and keep learning. Ask me in 6 months how I’m doing lol
 
carabelliscusp said:
I’m curious how a lot of OMFS residents who come from programs that don’t really prepare you for practice actually get ready for it. Besides teeth and simple titanium, it seems a lot of programs do not adequately prepare you numbers wise for sinus lifts, block grafts, apicos, and other procedures that are private practice scope but a bit rarer than the typical T+T. How does the transition work? Read textbooks? Take CE?
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As an individual with over thrity five years of private practice and a former program director, the situation when I completed my residency program was probably similiar. As a result, I chose to join a practice for at least a year or two because I felt I was lacking the appropriate office skills in dento aveolar surgery (other than exodontia) as well as out patient anesthesia. What started as a one to two year temporary position I stayed for 36 years and became extremely proficent in office anesthesia and surgery; in addition I became Chief of Facial Surgery at the regional trauma center and designed an osteotome for orthognathic surgery as well as device to perform a precision internal sinus lift. The point of all this is to understand your strenghts and weaknesses and how to address them to make them strenghts. So, there are plenty of great OMFS practitioners that are looking for associates, which you may want to consider the opportunity to learn from them.
 
A lot of OMFS programs are going the head and neck cancer/craniofacial route. This takes away directly from dentoalveolar/implants aspect of training. The saying "you'll figure it out in private practice" is true. But the issue is many GD's are relying on you for your expertise and little to no complications as an OS.

If they realize you may not be very proficient with implants/immediates, they may either choose to do them themselves or refer to perio.
 
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