Ortho Program Visits

[clemsondmd4]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have been in private practice for about 3 years after graduating dental school in 2014 and I am applying for ortho residency this cycle. How helpful is it to do visits to particular programs in these months leading up to application deadline and interviews. I know I will get to see the programs when I do interviews, but I was just wondering if the program visits would be helpful in putting a face with a name and getting an interview ? Just wasnt sure if I should try to do a visit at every single program I'm applying to or what. I am working 5 days a week so it gets tricky trying to find the time off and losing pay to do the visits.

 

[Munks]

Some programs appreciate it, others don't care for it. I would call admissions of em to see if that is something they do. Usually people will do 1-3 day externships is what they call em. And when you're there, treat it as an interview basically.. getting to know the programs, residents, faculty, put on a good face, etc.

 

[Tooth]

Yes, the consequences can be all over the place. It could mean you get an interview when you wouldn't have otherwise (you met the right people, hit it off well, and hopefully they remember you). It could mean you will not be getting an interview when you might have otherwise (Great applicant on paper but annoying in person). It could make no difference at all (you were nice but forgettable or didn't meet the right people).

Before you do something like that, you need to do your homework. I wouldn't start contacting the program director, directly. They usually have their version of a secretary which of course will have different titles at different programs. You have to find out who this person is. Then you need to approach that person and treat them very kindly because it may very will be that person who weeds out your application before it even makes it to the program director's desk. I'd stick to a short visit, maximum one day with a preference for a half-day, because the longer you're there the more likely you will annoy someone. You just want to show your face and interest at the right time so that you're not just another applicant on paper. You may be able to tell quickly once you talk to the secretary whether the program is friendly to people visiting or not. If you get the impression they don't like visitors, don't go.

 

[awalke12]

Yes, the consequences can be all over the place. It could mean you get an interview when you wouldn't have otherwise (you met the right people, hit it off well, and hopefully they remember you). It could mean you will not be getting an interview when you might have otherwise (Great applicant on paper but annoying in person). It could make no difference at all (you were nice but forgettable or didn't meet the right people).

Before you do something like that, you need to do your homework. I wouldn't start contacting the program director, directly. They usually have their version of a secretary which of course will have different titles at different programs. You have to find out who this person is. Then you need to approach that person and treat them very kindly because it may very will be that person who weeds out your application before it even makes it to the program director's desk. I'd stick to a short visit, maximum one day with a preference for a half-day, because the longer you're there the more likely you will annoy someone. You just want to show your face and interest at the right time so that you're not just another applicant on paper. You may be able to tell quickly once you talk to the secretary whether the program is friendly to people visiting or not. If you get the impression they don't like visitors, don't go.

I totally agree. I applied to endo residency after being out of dental school for 5 years. I had less than stellar stats so I needed to make an effort to stand out. I applied to 6 programs, reached out to their directors and asked if I could visit before getting any interview invites. 5 of the 6 welcomed me for a visit and those 5 that I visited offered me an interview.

In my case it was very beneficial because I knew I would not stand out among the rest of the applicants on paper alone and needed to connect a face/personality to my application.

If you have rockstar stats then I think doing this is less important but if you are middle of the road or subpar then I say it's definitely worth it.

I agree that keeping the visits short and sweet is key. Half day or full day at most. Be kind to everyone and send a thank you letter or email to the director and residents after your visit.