Tips for getting into PEDO

[dentist_to_be?]

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So I need to know what I can do to get in. I graduated a few years ago in middle of my class, did a GPR, now I see a lot of kids in private practice. I have the clinical experience, but not the academic records, what can I do to help my chances? Is there any hope?

 

[HupHolland]

network, network, network.... visit some programs, show face, make them like you. some programs value personality and experience more than "the numbers"..

good luck 🙂

hup

 

[CoachJawbone]

I agree! You are already at an advantage in this competitive specialty right now. You have years of experience on graduating dental students. It seems like because pediatrics is becoming more and more competitive, programs are looking for other ways to differentiate applicants. And having additional experience post graduation I think is a great plus. but like the above poster said, I would also visit the programs network and do as many externships as your schedule can allow.

 

[DavesNotHere]

So I need to know what I can do to get in. I graduated a few years ago in middle of my class, did a GPR, now I see a lot of kids in private practice. I have the clinical experience, but not the academic records, what can I do to help my chances? Is there any hope?

You should try to get a feel for what programs look for people with experience. There are some programs that do not want applicants with private practice experience because they believe you have

1.) already developed bad habits
2.) are out of the swing of "school"

also having a GPR is good/bad because it does give you a year of PGY status so it will go against a programs funding to some degree

But your best bet is to find those programs that like experienced applicants and then BLANKET them with applications early. When I was in dental school and heard people would apply to 25+ programs I thought that was crazy...but honestly for a middle of the road candidate it's necessary. You're also at a financial advantage as you have some money (hopefully) to spend on apps. My last application cycle cost 8k...and I only applied to 12 programs.

EDIT: I should add I'm not a pedo resident...just an experienced PASS applicant 😀

 

[username456789]

I apologize for wandering out of my usual territory (I'm a medical student), but do people really call it a "Pedo" residency/program? I'm sure the issue has been beaten ad nauseum, but really??

 

[DavesNotHere]

I apologize for wandering out of my usual territory (I'm a medical student), but do people really call it a "Pedo" residency/program? I'm sure the issue has been beaten ad nauseum, but really??

yeah, that's the "slang". The practitioners used to be called pedodontists...but in recent times they have attempted to use the proper "pediatric dentistry" and "pediatric dentists"...but for ease of talking/typing pedo is pretty accetable

to be honest...anyone that hears pedo and think pedophile should probably take a good look inside and decide if they're safe to be out in public.

 

[DGDDS]

anyone that hears pedo and think pedophile should probably take a good look inside and decide if they're safe to be out in public.

👍👍👍👍👍

 

[username456789]

to be honest...anyone that hears pedo and think pedophile should probably take a good look inside and decide if they're safe to be out in public.

That's extremely disingenuous and insulting, particularly when you consider everything in the news these days (Penn State scandal, Catholic church, etc).

I'm in a library and just asked the three people sitting in a group with me what they think of when they hear "pedo", and each of them immediately said "pedophile", then asked why I wanted to know.

Trust me, the knee-jerk reaction is extremely common among the public.

 

[DavesNotHere]

That's extremely disingenuous and insulting, particularly when you consider everything in the news these days (Penn State scandal, Catholic church, etc).

I'm in a library and just asked the three people sitting in a group with me what they think of when they hear "pedo", and each of them immediately said "pedophile", then asked why I wanted to know.

Trust me, the knee-jerk reaction is extremely common among the public.

Disingenuous? Please explain that.

And 3 people sitting in a library? Sounds like a real randomized sample you got there. You talk about the public...this isnt the public, this is a forum for people in the dental field...so the only knee jerking is what's done on the knee to knee exam (dental joke). So wise up, grow up, and go away.

 

[LaMode]

network, network, network.... visit some programs, show face, make them like you. some programs value personality and experience more than "the numbers"..

good luck 🙂

hup

I couldn't agree more! Every program I interviewed at had applicants who 1. Did a GPR 2. Worked in private practice for a few years (even met a few who had been practicing 8+ years) treating kids. 3. Some even did fellowships. It's hard to distinguish yourself when every other applicant has gone through the same route as you and has a similar resume. Network, visit residency programs, and shine on your interviews!

 

[doctor-wanabe]

?

 

[doctor-wanabe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD-xxoQwOo4

 

[cahillcahill]

visit some programs, net search and newspaper.Thanks!

 

[doubledizzle13]

externships seem to be the way to get your foot in the door

 

[bikedoc]

So I need to know what I can do to get in. I graduated a few years ago in middle of my class, did a GPR, now I see a lot of kids in private practice. I have the clinical experience, but not the academic records, what can I do to help my chances? Is there any hope?

My story is similar in that I chose pediatric dentistry after working in public health general dentistry for 3 years. Deciding to go back was not easy. You will find that there are many programs who do like people with experience. There are a few people in my class who also decided to go back and specialize. I think externships and open lines of communication can help.

Once you get the interview, personality is a big plus!

 

[prima]

So I need to know what I can do to get in. I graduated a few years ago in middle of my class, did a GPR, now I see a lot of kids in private practice. I have the clinical experience, but not the academic records, what can I do to help my chances? Is there any hope?

Externships
AAPD Meetings
State Dental Association meetings

 

[ttconsultantsin]

I agree! You are already at an benefits in this aggressive specialised right now. You have decades of encounter on finishing oral learners. It seems like because pediatric medicine is becoming more and more aggressive, applications are looking for other tips on how to identify candidates. And having extra encounter publish commencement I think is an excellent plus. but like the above poster said, I would also check out the applications system and do as many externships as your routine can allow.