Switching from one speciality to another

[IWantH2O]

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Just looking for opinions on a subject that I have been contemplating.

I am currently in my last year of training in a graduate endodontic program. I enjoy working on root canals and do not regret the decision of leaving general dentistry, which I practiced for 5 years. But I have real passion for surgery and now contemplating going back (after I complete my current residency) for a 6 year program of oral surgery. I would like to do more of the procedures in a hospital setting (cancer, orthognathic, etc) then private practice wisdom teeth and extractions. Am I crazy for wanting to go back for another residency. I am in my early 30s and do not have a family but would like to eventually settle down and start one. What are your opinions on this? Do you think it is too late to do 6 more years of training?

 

[vellnueve]

Gotta decide what's more important to you - it'll be tougher to start a family if you're in another residency for most of the decade.

I'm in my early 30s, just started 4-year OMS after 5 years as a GP, I can empathize a bit.

Personally, if I'd finished a residency I'd want to use those skills - I have a bunch of friends and classmates who are very happy in their endo practices. At some point you have to be done with school and move on. Once you make it through OMS 6-year you'll be 40ish... In the end I'd want to use that time to try to start a family because that's time you can't make up.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Longshot.308]

I think its also important to figure in opportunity cost.

Lets say as an endodontist you make between 250,000-500,000 a year. A 6 year OMS program will cost you between 1.5 million-3 million dollars in opportunity cost. I assume you will probably have to take out some loans for living expense during OMS which will cost you even more.

Also the oral surgeons I know make their big money with wisdom teeth and implants. Most do that so they can afford to go to the hospital and do cancer and orthognathic ect.

I think you need to also consider the financial implications of your plan. Do you currently have debt? How much debt will you have after your program?Does a hospital focused OMS career going to provide what you need financially.

Will all that being said. You only have one life to live. If that is your utter passion go for it but consider the financial considerations as well.

 

[Awarara]

Based on your post history it looks like you started dental school in 2009? how do you have 5 years of work experience as well as a year of endo in this time frame?
When and how did you develop your "passion" for surgery such as cancer and orthognathics? Did you go on externships when you were in dental school? How come you only decided to do OMS now if you had such passion for it back then and instead chose to do endo?
Just asking some questions to see where your motivation comes from as PDs may ask you this.
You realize if you want to do cancer, you're probably going to be in your forties before you finish your education right? Just some food for thought. 8 years is a **** ton of lost money, especially if you're an endodontist.

 

[OlenCF]

Interestingly I found myself really relating to ur post. and I'll try not to turn this reply into a Dr.Phil session... 😛

I was drawn to endo during my first yr's practice in the military, but I was very fortunate to quickly discover omfs is what I wanna do. While I'm waiting to apply for omfs when my svcs obligation ends, I know by the time I'm done residency and fellowship, I'll be in my early 40's.... But front ur post, I feel that omfs really is appealing to u...(I would go as far as to say that being ur calling, but I don't know u enuff to make that statement) That said, if that's the case, I seriously think u should do it. Now obviously, opportunity cost and so on is very true, so u gotta weight out if ur passion is worth that lost 1-3 millions of income u would of generated.

I had to make similar choice! If I do omfs with the military or just stay as gp, then I get paid over 4 yrs which is worth more than a mil (taking account of the pension as well), but if I do it on my own, I miss out on the 6 yrs of salary plus I gotta pay 2 yrs of med school without salary (most programs at least)... The opportunity cost and potential expense amounts to more than 1.5 mil.

But I still choose to do it, because I know I'll regret it everyday knowing I have got the passion and the potential to do more! I think there's no worse feeling than knowing that u could of been all u can be when ur stuck on something u may have less passion about but probably still very good at.

And really, opportunity cost is nothing if u have the next fifteen or more yrs of time to do something u truly enjoy! That's how I see it 🙂 that's what I told myself and keep telling myself everyday when I know a younger military colleague of mine got selected for omfs or a younger dental school lower yr who got into omfs. I could look past that because I know this is what I want, and I will get it regardless of how old I'll be when I'm done. And truth be told, we have military surgeons going thru omfs in their late 30s and graduated in early 40's... So it's completely doable! And no, ur not crazy to think about it at all! Plus, when ur rocking some surgical procedures and also do some private practice stuffs (u gotta do those to keep up ur cash flow, that's how it is), I will assume ur still gonna do very well.... So over a span of say 20 yrs of career, u will probably generate 10 if not 20 millions... What is the lost 3 mil then? I don't know about u... But when I realized I will never be able to afford a luxury yacht for the life of me even if I make 1 mil an year like some of my local omfs do, I simply tell myself I will strive for a comfy life, that's all 🙂

Now having a family is a different discussion. I'm fortunate enough to have started a family and have a little cute 10 months old right now... So if I had to do it again, I'll probably still choose starting a family first over finishing residency. But that's me.... And really, while it will be tough (very tough to be exact) nowhere does it say that u can't start a family during residency if u really want.... Is it ideal? No, but again, at ur current state, there may not be much IDEAL solutions left....

But I truly believe all things happen in our life for a reason, this residency trg of urs right now must have brought much experiences that u wouldn't have otherwise obtained... So I'd embrace it and go ahead on to meet ur passion/dream...well, I'm trying to do that myself, and I would love to see someone sharing he same vision 🙂

Just my 0.02, crap, did I over type again?

Good luck! And keep us posted on what decision u make!

 

[Localnative]

Been practicing for a number of years, and after awhile quality of life becomes a major issue. OS is a great career, but other things come into play as you get older.
You probably already know this, but endo tends to be less high maintenance when compared to OS in terms of procedures, liability, patient care responsibilities, chairside/office hours, after hours calls, etc.
I tend to spend alot more time engaging in professional activities than my endo counterparts, who seem to have more time for personal endeavors outside the office and their families.
something to consider!

M

 

[The Anhedonia]

several times during my OMFS internship i audibly said to my co-residents half-serious half-joking "i should have done endo".
dont get me wrong I love OMFS, but the sexy parts of surgery are only a small part of the whole training process. though certainly worth it, residency can be painful.
i'm not one to discourage people from OMFS, but considering you're about to be a freshly minted endodontist and can enjoy the life that comes along with that, i'd say OMFS is not worth it.

 

[786783]

Been practicing for a number of years, and after awhile quality of life becomes a major issue. OS is a great career, but other things come into play as you get older.
You probably already know this, but endo tends to be less high maintenance when compared to OS in terms of procedures, liability, patient care responsibilities, chairside/office hours, after hours calls, etc.
I tend to spend alot more time engaging in professional activities than my endo counterparts, who seem to have more time for personal endeavors outside the office and their families.
something to consider!

M

What are these professional activities you speak of?

Thanks.

 

[Tooth]

Yes, it is silly to switch to OMFS after completing your endo residency but you wouldn't be the first person who wanted to switch specialties. I know many who have. Orthos turned pediatric dentists, pediatric dentists turned ortho, periodontists turned TMD and orofacial pain, endodontists becoming orthodontists as well. I have met a periodontist and an OMFS who abandoned their specialties to return to GP. I've never heard of an endo becoming an OMFS but why not. To each his own. It's your life man. If you want it, go for it. You'll be fine either way. It will be difficult to get married and start a family during an OMFS residency but I know people who have done it. Just difficult. I'm 38 and just finished my ortho residency. I can tell you that by this age you will be a professional student. You will have spent so much time in academia you may want to become faculty. If you decide to stay faculty, you can achieve your dreams to have lots of OR time.

 

[Localnative]

What are these professional activities you speak of?

Thanks.

hospital call, after hours calls, after hours care, weekends at office, sometimes seeing emergencies in office well after closing time, OR for trauma/recon/path/infections, etc

 

[RoseEndo]

I can understand your feelings, and I think you can definitely go for another specialty. OMFS is a great specialty with a broad scope, but you need to be ready for a very difficult residency with long hours. Once residency is over, you can enjoy your time with family. I have met folks who are doing residency in their late 30's and early 40's. Follow your heart and you will succeed 👍

 

[DDS360]

Two brothers one Endo and the other one OMFS. OMFS has a tough residency, but you will do great after residency. Taking thirds out in 30 minutes plus sedation is very sweet. I don't even know if you still want to practice Endo after going through OMFS training. You can't go wrong with OMFS training.

 

[Marmalade]

I think you're crazy. I think you'll be bored with that too after a few years. Boredom seems to be your problem. I get it.

I've been in GP for almost 5 yrs. I was so excited to be a dentist for the few years. Yet, now I'll be honest... it's pretty boring: 99% of patients are simple cases that require minimal thought.

It seems we have been taught to expect our jobs to be an amazing adventure. While this is possible (Carl Misch, perhaps) let's be real: it's a job and is unlikely to be amazing for 35 years.

You seem to like a challenge. Maybe turn your attention to buying, running, building a business? Charity work? Raising a family?

 

[Cello]

It is tempting to think of how much money you "could" have earned and what you lose in opportunity cost. But you will not be hurting financially as an OMFS graduating in your early 40s with a 20+ year career ahead.