Orthodontics Question...

[Cofo]

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Let's say that I do finish in the top 10-15 of my class in dental school, and I do want to specialize in orhtodontics. How good are my chances? And, if I do NOT get accepted in an orthodontic residency, could I apply a 2nd time to an orthodontic residency and get in? ...........I am the kind of person who will study their butt off and get terrific grades. Anything I set my mind to, I will accomplish. I am very disciplined. Let me know my chances! Thanks!

 

[AlphaQUp]

First you have to graduate high school.

 

[Cofo]

Alpha, I don't appreciate your jerkish answer. I have graduated high school, actually! NOW, I only need intelligent people answering my questions. I need some help, and I'd appreciate it if only serious, helpful people would reply. Thanks!

 

[INFNITE]

depends on how well you do on the board part 1's.

 

[toofache32]

If you are as smart as you say you are, then I don't know why you would worry. BTW, it's top 10 percent of your class. In other words, if there are 50 people in your class, you need to be one of the top 5 people.

 

[Cofo]

Oh really? Hah, that's weird. I didn't know what 10% of 50 was! Thanks for making intermediate algebra so easy for someone like me, who just graduated from high school! ... sorry for the sarcasm. Do you people always treat high school grads this way?

 

[toofache32]

Oh really? Hah, that's weird. I didn't know what 10% of 50 was! Thanks for making intermediate algebra so easy for someone like me, who just graduated from high school! sorry for the sarcasm. Do you people always treat high school grads this way?

OK smartass you'd be amazed the number of people who don't realize it's a percentile. Do you always treat people from whom you seek advice this way?

 

[toothfairy85]

You don't have to be in the top 10% of your class to specialize. Sometimes, you don't have to be in the top 10% to pursue ortho. It depends on the entire application just like applying to dental school. They will look at grades, rank, board scores, extracurriculars, and LORs from faculty members. I know it's competitive, but chances are not everyone in the top 10% will specialize or want to specialize, let alone orthodontics. And if so, well just be one of the top students. I'm just saying it is possible to not be #1 in your class and pursue residencies... but more difficult.

 

[BlueToothHunter]

The Bottom Line: Aim High While In Dental School!!

Top 10% - Ortho, OMS
Top 20% - Pedo, Endo
Top 50% - Perio, Oral Path, Pros, Public Health, Oral Med
Below 50% - Millionaire Dentist (ie. a GP)

 

[toothfairy85]

Seems pretty accurate from what I have heard!

 

[Squished Rat]

The Bottom Line: Aim High While In Dental School!!

Top 10% - Ortho, OMS
Top 20% - Pedo, Endo
Top 50% - Perio, Oral Path, Pros, Public Health, Oral Med
Below 50% - Millionaire Dentist (ie. a GP)

All the OMFS residents i know seem to think endo is more competetive.

 

[wirebender22]

You don't have to be in the top 10% of your class to specialize. Sometimes, you don't have to be in the top 10% to pursue ortho. It depends on the entire application just like applying to dental school. They will look at grades, rank, board scores, extracurriculars, and LORs from faculty members. I know it's competitive, but chances are not everyone in the top 10% will specialize or want to specialize, let alone orthodontics. And if so, well just be one of the top students. I'm just saying it is possible to not be #1 in your class and pursue residencies... but more difficult.

Wrong: to be guaranteed to get into an ortho program, I'd say you need to be 1st 2nd or 3rd in your class. any lower than that and you're rolling the dice, and then the many other factors come in to play.
Hope this helps.

 

[Jaybe]

Wrong: to be guaranteed to get into an ortho program, I'd say you need to be 1st 2nd or 3rd in your class. any lower than that and you're rolling the dice, and then the many other factors come in to play.
Hope this helps.

WRONG!!!!

Of the 5 people (out of 8) accepted to ortho from my school THIS year, only 2 were ranked in the top 3. One wasn't even in the top 15.

Of the 4 people (out of 7) accepted to ortho from my school LAST year, only 1 was ranked in the top 3. At least one wasn't in the top 15.

If you are in the top 10% of your class, and do well on boards (90 or greater) you have a great chance. Seal the deal by doing some nerdy research (which wirebender recommends) or student government and other extracurriculars (which jaybe recommends).

BUT FIRST YOU NEED TO GRADUATE FROM JUNIOR COLLEGE, OR WHATEVER YOU ARE IN!

 

[rjarvis]

...........I am the kind of person who will study their butt off and get terrific grades. Anything I set my mind to, I will accomplish. I am very disciplined. Let me know my chances! Thanks!

that's great that you are a very determined person, and orthodontics is a great field to pursue. however, whe you get into dental school you are going to find that basically your entire class is going to be able to study their butts off to get great grades. i am in now way trying to discourage you, but just be prepared for the competition that comes with trying to be in the top of a dental class. but stay focused and good luck