Specializing after working as GP

[sirgizmo84]

If I have been practicing as a GP for several years after dental school but decide that I want go back to specialize in endodontics, where / how would I get 3 letters of recommendation?

I had no interest in specializing while in dental school, and so I never participated in research or built any close relationships with faculty members or endodontists. Just kept my head down and got through school at the time. Most endo residencies require 3 letters of rec, but I have no idea where to go about getting these from at this point.

Should I shadow local endodontists on my days off? That's the only thing I can really think of for getting to know specialists for LOR's. Any other recommendations for getting letters?

I did have good grades in dental school, and was in the top 30% of my class.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

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[redchesus]

I was 7 years out. I got my letters from the endodontist I shadowed and my mentor (a general dentist)
I also reached out to two faculty members from dental school and offered to write them drafts (neither were endo). This was a win-win situation because they had less work to do and you can also remind them of what you did in school (understandable that they will not remember you), emphasize the traits that you want them to emphasize to the adcom

 

[Doc_with_a_skull]

I also think it never hurts to ask the local school's faculty. You have to get to know them somehow to build some "credibility" and many places will recommend a letter from your department or etc. They may ask you to come meet them and shadow them, but definitely would be worth your time