What Is the Day-to-Day Like in an OMFS Residency?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Joined
Apr 28, 2025
Messages
14
Reaction score
1
I know it must be grueling, but could someone who is currently in an OMFS residency program—or who has recently graduated—share what the day-to-day reality is like? How busy are you, really, during residency?


Is a 4-year program generally less intense, or does it actually feel more demanding compared to a 6-year track?


Also, do you find the daily workload and stress level significantly more challenging than what you experienced during dental school?


Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
 
I know it must be grueling, but could someone who is currently in an OMFS residency program—or who has recently graduated—share what the day-to-day reality is like? How busy are you, really, during residency?


Is a 4-year program generally less intense, or does it actually feel more demanding compared to a 6-year track?


Also, do you find the daily workload and stress level significantly more challenging than what you experienced during dental school?


Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
There are variations between programs but 4 vs 6 has no bearing on that.

Yes. The workload between OMFS residency vs DS cannot be compared…not even close. Since workload does add stress…same as above. BUT, I enjoy my residency waaaay more than DS.
 
I know it must be grueling, but could someone who is currently in an OMFS residency program—or who has recently graduated—share what the day-to-day reality is like? How busy are you, really, during residency?


Is a 4-year program generally less intense, or does it actually feel more demanding compared to a 6-year track?


Also, do you find the daily workload and stress level significantly more challenging than what you experienced during dental school?


Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
My 2 cents about stress difference (waiting to start residency): In OMS residency you are running an entire surgical service as a team. There are more “to dos” that must be accomplished to get a patient successfully into and out of the OR. Just booking all of that is a task. Working up the case, understanding the medical side of what is going on is a hurdle. All of these things are critical. If you forget a plastic composite instrument in dental school, lol who cares. If you forget certain things in OMS residency, critical valuable time is wasted and it could even be dangerous. The clinical notes are also a “step up” from dental school. It seems you also have to put up with more abuse in OMS residency.
 
Top