pedo chances?

[teethmagnet]

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just got board scores back and i recieved an 84, my class rank is 36/90. since i am only a 2nd year, i will still have an oppoortunity to bring my class rank up a couple spots hopefully. with pure honesty, do you think i have a shot at pedo? suggestions would def be appreciated!!
thankss,
TM

 

[DavesNotHere]

just got board scores back and i recieved an 84, my class rank is 36/90. since i am only a 2nd year, i will still have an oppoortunity to bring my class rank up a couple spots hopefully. with pure honesty, do you think i have a shot at pedo? suggestions would def be appreciated!!
thankss,
TM

It's not looking good with an 84. With solid LORs, extra-currs, and getting into top 20 of your class will greatly help.

You may look into an externship/visit to your top programs in your 3rd year. But to really help...look into a GPR. A lot of progs are gonna discount you flat out with an 84...but youve still got a legitimate chance.

 

[LaMode]

I don't think an 84 is terrible. If I were you, I would extern at a few programs, get to know the pediatric attending's at your school's program, get involved as much as possible, do extracurricular activities, research, and network. I think you have a good shot if you apply to many programs (20 plus) and have good letters of recommendations. You're only in your second year so you have plenty of time!

 

[teethmagnet]

you suggest doing externships and visting programs this summer (summer before 3rd year) or maybe research in the pedo field? (only off for month of august)

 

[DavesNotHere]

you suggest doing externships and visting programs this summer (summer before 3rd year) or maybe research in the pedo field? (only off for month of august)

If you dont have any research i say research for sure. Then externships during your third year breaks.

 

[doubledizzle13]

Your score is fine, I had the same score and got 6 interviews/25. Your class rank is fine. Just get involved in pediatric dentistry and show your school that you are interested and you have a decent chance of getting in your first try. Then if not go to a GPR with lots of pedo and you'll really increase your chances the next year.

 

[DavesNotHere]

Your score is fine, I had the same score and got 6 interviews/25. Your class rank is fine. Just get involved in pediatric dentistry and show your school that you are interested and you have a decent chance of getting in your first try. Then if not go to a GPR with lots of pedo and you'll really increase your chances the next year.

Where did you match with that board score?

 

[sarah_bellum]

I know MANY folks who got interviews this year with a similar board score.

 

[DavesNotHere]

I know MANY folks who got interviews this year with a similar board score.

That's cool, i was just under the impression that pedo had become very competitive so im wondering where an 84 gets matched?

 

[sarah_bellum]

That's cool, i was just under the impression that pedo had become very competitive so im wondering where an 84 gets matched?

Dunno - match hasn't happened yet. I'll also say I knew numerous folks who matched into ortho and got excellent offers for endo with similar numbers. SDN is an echo-chamber, and while useful, often overestimates numbers in relation to competitive positions.

 

[mr24]

Dunno - match hasn't happened yet. I'll also say I knew numerous folks who matched into ortho and got excellent offers for endo with similar numbers. SDN is an echo-chamber, and while useful, often overestimates numbers in relation to competitive positions.

You would think we learned our lesson with DAT scores and GPA.

 

[DavesNotHere]

Dunno - match hasn't happened yet. I'll also say I knew numerous folks who matched into ortho and got excellent offers for endo with similar numbers. SDN is an echo-chamber, and while useful, often overestimates numbers in relation to competitive positions.

I thought i saw only 35% of applicants matched to pedo last year...people with 84s are beating out 65% of other applicants?

Im doing anesthesiology with a 91 on part 1 and at 4 out of my 7 interviews they told me i was one of the lowest scores to get an interview...i just assumed pedo was right up there

 

[LaMode]

I know plenty of people who also got several interviews with a board score around 84 (even lower). However, I have been out of school for a few years now and the people I know who got interviews with these scores have done 1-2 years of GPR, fellowships, worked in community health clinics, worked in pediatric dental offices for a few years, etc. I think if you have a low board, doing a post graduate residency (or two) helps you compete with those applicants who have 90's. 👍 I would still apply for this upcoming year though and see what happens. Everyone says peds isn't all numbers (at least at some programs), it's the extra stuff that's important too 🙂

 

[DavesNotHere]

I know plenty of people who also got several interviews with a board score around 84 (even lower). However, I have been out of school for a few years now and the people I know who got interviews with these scores have done 1-2 years of GPR, fellowships, worked in community health clinics, worked in pediatric dental offices for a few years, etc. I think if you have a low board, doing a post graduate residency (or two) helps you compete with those applicants who have 90's. 👍 I would still apply for this upcoming year though and see what happens. Everyone says peds isn't all numbers (at least at some programs), it's the extra stuff that's important too 🙂

Yes this makes sense to me. Doing post graduate training will make you more competitive for any specialty imho. But these guys are talking straight out of school. And if people with 84s fresh out are matching to programs on a consistent basis than me hearing that pedo is competitive isnt really accurate. Not that it's bad... I dont think a high board score necessarily equates to a good pediatric dentist but it just seems like everyone talks about pedo being so tough these days. Just surprising.

 

[Pulpoutofhere]

From my experience, a lot is going to depend on the programs you apply to. The programs with better reputations are going to attract far more applicants, of which, most are going to be very qualified. Those programs that are not so strong are going to be less competitive. With an 84 board score you will need to have some outstanding aspects to your application to make yourself competitive at some of the more prestigious programs. Most of the competitive programs typically have 230+ applications for 4-7 spots, with most applicants having scores in the upper 80's to low 90's.

 

[happybraces]

From my experience, a lot is going to depend on the programs you apply to. The programs with better reputations are going to attract far more applicants, of which, most are going to be very qualified. Those programs that are not so strong are going to be less competitive. With an 84 board score you will need to have some outstanding aspects to your application to make yourself competitive at some of the more prestigious programs. Most of the competitive programs typically have 230+ applications for 4-7 spots, with most applicants having scores in the upper 80's to low 90's.

How about research experience? How critical is it when it comes to admission?

 

[LaMode]

How about research experience? How critical is it when it comes to admission?

I think it's important at some programs, but not so much at others (none of the programs I interviewed in ever asked me about prior research experience).
I hear school based programs put more emphasis on research. It depends what you are looking for. If you're interested in doing research, get involved at your school and apply to those pediatric programs that are research oriented.

 

[bikedoc]

Yes this makes sense to me. Doing post graduate training will make you more competitive for any specialty imho. But these guys are talking straight out of school. And if people with 84s fresh out are matching to programs on a consistent basis than me hearing that pedo is competitive isnt really accurate. Not that it's bad... I dont think a high board score necessarily equates to a good pediatric dentist but it just seems like everyone talks about pedo being so tough these days. Just surprising.

I agree with this post. A high board score definitely does not equate to a good pediatric dentist. Unfortunately, for a candidate to get an interview straight out of dental school, one does need to have a score in the upper 80's. We saw this first hand, with candidates interviewing at our program this last year. There are always exceptions to the rule.

It was surprising how many candidates had post graduate experience.

 

[agape4unme]

Pediatric dentistry has gotten super competitive...especially with the economy being the way its been. After ortho, it's the most competitive specialty. I would say that a high board score is necessary to get an interview. It's the "common yard stick" programs will use to compare candidates. However, once the interview has been granted, the "numbers game" gets thrown out and it's all about how they like you as a person. If you don't have the high board score, then do a GPR and work for a year or two in a private practice that sees kids. You can then write about these experiences in your personal statement.

 

[sarah_bellum]

Again, based on personal experience with the process this year, a high board score is not a critical element of scoring interviews. It certainly doesn't hurt, however, and it can help you. Present a complete application, get excellent letters, be involved, and apply. It's the only way to find out how strong your app actually is. If you're concerned that it's weak, apply appropriately and don't get discouraged with a low count of interview invites. Take advantage of the ones you get.

 

[youngmc27]

With boards going to Pass/Fail I feel that the number won't really matter when u apply. The GPA and rank become even more important now. Personality is also key and that comes out in letter of rec and EC activities. I know that an 84 can get you in but you need to show Directors that peds is important to you.

 

[doctor-wanabe]

Again, based on personal experience with the process this year, a high board score is not a critical element of scoring interviews. It certainly doesn't hurt, however, and it can help you. Present a complete application, get excellent letters, be involved, and apply. It's the only way to find out how strong your app actually is. If you're concerned that it's weak, apply appropriately and don't get discouraged with a low count of interview invites. Take advantage of the ones you get.

I totally agree with that.

 

[teethmagnet]

thank you all for your comments and suggestions; i think i am going to look into a couple of observerships for this upcoming summer before my 3rd year.
has anyone done any in the ny/nj area? maybe columbia, umdnj, nyu. . . ?

thanks,
TM

 

[DDS4Less]

Teeth Magnet

***JUST MY OPINION*** I would suggest using this summer to (in no specific order) A. Get involved with a LEGITIMATE research project (if you have not already done so). B. Engage in a mission trip or get yourself significantly involved with a WELL RECOGNIZED outreach organization such as Operation Smile. C. Log as many PEDO hours as possible.

I would suggest saving your externships until the Spring/Summer of your D3 year. I say this because a MAJOR objective during externships is bonding with the residents (specifically the 1st years because at numerous programs they play a role in the selection process). NONE OF THOSE RESIDENTS EVEN EXIST YET AS FAR AS YOUR TIMELINE IS CONCERNED. Furthermore, if you don't revisit the program next summer VERY few program directors, etc. will significantly remember you when your PASS application comes across their desks. Again just MY opinions...

...an 84 is a respectable score. It's in the books now so DON'T obsess over it. Above all specialties PEDO is interested in a "total applicant," so take this next 1.5 years to build yourself and your CV in ALL aspects!

I myself am/was an applicant with a low 80's board score, but as a "total applicant" I felt that I was as competitive as anyone out there, and I DID match into a competitive program. JUST A LITTLE EXTRA ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU!!! ;-)