Straight into Endo: How Realistic If I Start Day 1?

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SonOfArathorn

Aragorn
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I’m starting dental school soon and I know that specializing is a bit taboo to talk about before school even starts. I get that and respect it. I also realize you don’t truly know until you get your hands on everything in dental school. That said, I genuinely enjoy endo and have had a lot of exposure through many mentors who are endodontists.

If I stay focused and put in the work starting from Day 1, is it realistic to be accepted straight into an endo residency after dental school? I’m willing to be disciplined early and stay consistent, doing everything I can to make my app scream endo. I realize they prefer experience, so I would really appreciate any honest advice.

Thanks in advance.
 
It’s possible, but very difficult. The two people in my class gunning for Endo were both Endo from day 1. A parent was an endodontist, they did Endo related research h, in the Endo clinic all the time, great relationship with faculty. Checked all the boxes. One of them got 2 interviews (home program and some other school) and was offered a spot at an expensive program. One got one interview and did not get accepted.

There are programs out there who will not interview dental students or people without x number of years as a general dentist.

So it’s possible, but I wouldn’t bank on it
 
I’m starting dental school soon and I know that specializing is a bit taboo to talk about before school even starts. I get that and respect it. I also realize you don’t truly know until you get your hands on everything in dental school. That said, I genuinely enjoy endo and have had a lot of exposure through many mentors who are endodontists.

If I stay focused and put in the work starting from Day 1, is it realistic to be accepted straight into an endo residency after dental school? I’m willing to be disciplined early and stay consistent, doing everything I can to make my app scream endo. I realize they prefer experience, so I would really appreciate any honest advice.

Thanks in advance.
I think talking about wanting to do endo would not be too much of an issue. It's individuals that espouse interest in OMS that get jacked with in clinic by insecure professors.
 
I am not applying to endo, but none of the endo residents i know have gotten in without either working for a couple of years or doing an AEGD first and this includes some of the residents who were number 1 or 2 in their class. Unfortunately, i think you could be "perfect" on paper in dental school and they would still want you to have more experience.
 
GP experience helps with ending since you will have people referring to you and wondering if a tooth is restorable or wanting a diagnosis. Knowing more dentistry is only beneficial for you in the long run. You can do the best endo in the world, but if it is restored like crap it will fail and often times you might be blamed. There are plenty of other reasons as well, but experience is helpful.
 
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