OMS externships: Is the number of externships or number of weeks more important?

[desertrat12]

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I'm scheduled for 3 externships over the next few months. Each program I am going to does week externships. So the total extern time will be 3 weeks. I read in different places to do at least 4 weeks, but I see in other places to go to at least 3 programs. What is best? Should I add another externship in there? Appreciate the help!

 

[ibuprofen400mg]

What you learned is far more important than the duration.

 

[BlackThought]

4-5 weeks at 2-3 different programs as a good starting point imo.

Be prepared to answer questions about your externships during interviews (why you chose them, what you liked/disliked, etc).

As an aside, externships generally suck from a dental student point-of-view. Hard to make your self stand out when you have no true responsibility. I was not a fan.

 

[desertrat12]

I appreciate the responses!

I don't want to come off as uncommitted or more naive than I already am in applications, but I'm also trying to balance the days off of clinic with the future days I may need for interviews. Given that I will be at 3 programs for only 3 weeks, would it be a large benefit to visit one more program bringing the total up to 4 weeks?

This is probably sounding nitpicky I suppose, but I want to make sure I'm jumping through all the right hoops. I'd really like to go to more externships rather than cut more class 2 preps, but money and time off limits make it challenging.

 

[BlackThought]

I'd really like to go to more externships rather than cut more class 2 preps

 

[Captain Underplants]

I would go for more 1 week externships rather than longer fewer . I did 2 2week externships and absolutely regretted it.

A- They suck, standing on your feet all day pretending this is the first 3rd molar extraction you've seen, while trying to make small talk without annoying the residents is hard work

B- Nobody really cares, as a resident now I usually talk to an extern for a few minutes, and already know whether we like them or not, we don't need 2 weeks to decide, if anything 2 weeks gives you more time to screw up, cause trust me; we probably won't remember if you did 1 week or 2.

C- Being a memorable extern for one week is much more valuable than being a passive one for 2 weeks, make yourself seen, and look busy; over two weeks people will start to realize if you're not always there wagging your tail like a dog (I'm sorry but it's true).

D- It gives you more to talk about on you interviews, saying you externed for 5 weeks, but only having 3 programs to talk about (probably one of them being your home program too), isn't as stimulating for conversation as having 5 different programs to compare and contrast against each other.

Just my 2 cents

 

[PreDentTechySon]

I can definitely second the idea that it is better to have a solid shorter externship than a mediocre longer one. It’s good to keep in mind the residents are busy with their own work and the program directors are only wanting to know if you’re intelligent, interested, and easy to work with. They can find this out pretty quick.

Although not for OMFS, I did a few externships and was advised by the residents to not stay too long because you have more of a chance of saying something stupid or bothering someone the longer you’re there. Not to mention two weeks in one place kind of makes them wonder if you’re not invested in completing your requirements in dental school.

Are there some programs you have for your top 4 or 5 list? I would try to schedule at places you would like to interview at.

 

[SilkyJ]

I found 2-week externships to be ideal. If you do less, people tend not to remember you very well. If you stay longer, you run the risk of becoming annoying to the residents/faculty.

 

[PChemGrad]

Redirecting

Is There Value in the Oral Surgery Externship?
Palla, Benjamin et al.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 78, Issue 3, 325 - 326


"One of the most notable findings from the survey was that 42% of the current residents stated that they had matched with an OMS program at which they had performed an externship. This finding should highlight the critical importance of externships for a successful match to interested applicants. Although our data showed no statistically significant relationship when comparing the number of weeks spent on an externship rotation and eventual match ranking (P = .094), the data did display an obvious trend. OMS residents who successfully achieved their first, second, or third match choice had spent an average of 5.5, 4.9, and 3.9 weeks at an externship, respectively. "

 

[desertrat12]

I've been thinking, and I think 0 externships is probably the best strategy lol. Thats currently how everyone in my class will be applying with all our externships canceling due to the unfortunate pandemic.

 

[deleted923283]

I've been thinking, and I think 0 externships is probably the best strategy lol. Thats currently how everyone in my class will be applying with all our externships canceling due to the unfortunate pandemic.

Seriously! I did 2 early externships, but now I don't see how I ever do another. No way they allow externs before applications go out.

 

[desertrat12]

Seriously! I did 2 early externships, but now I don't see how I ever do another. No way they allow externs before applications go out.

Im crossing my fingers the August cbse will still happen

 

[AONLINE]

Do you think if the start of this application cycle will be pushed back?

 

[DDSER1]

Im crossing my fingers the August cbse will still happen

yea if all externships are cancelled and school is out, rewriting cbse would be the only thing left to do to strengthen our apps

 

[ThirdMolarz]

nooo, leave us august exam takers alone