Worth applying for residency?

[thetoothfairy1806]

Naive 3rd yr dental student here. Only dental student in the family, so literally, I have no idea what I should or shouldn't do when it comes to the post-grad years, so please excuse any dumb/idiotic questions.


I've always been interested in specializing after school. I attend a pretty competitive dental school, and have gotten myself in a position with a 3.0 GPA and a class rank towards the bottom of the class. Is specializing out of the question for me? If I do a GPR for a year, will I have any chance at all? I've been entertaining the idea of pediatrics or OMFS; I've spent a lot of time with both departments, and will probably try to do research with one of those departments in the coming year.

I've been killing it in clinic, and have gotten nothing but positive response from all the faculty that have worked with me. I've been pretty involved at the local free clinic, and have a very good repertoire with all the faculty and staff, and find myself to be a pretty personable person. My patients love me. I know that I would make a good specialist, but my class rank and GPA are just dragging me down. Any advice? Is it worth applying at all?

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[deleted678432]

If you dont mind me asking, what was the reasoning for your GPA dropping to a 3.0? I'm sure if you have a good reason and good aspects of your application aside from GPA, you'd be in a good seat for a residency position. It's all about the well-roundedness

 

[zriceman]

pedo is doable, not so sure about OMFS

 

[thetoothfairy1806]

If you dont mind me asking, what was the reasoning for your GPA dropping to a 3.0? I'm sure if you have a good reason and good aspects of your application aside from GPA, you'd be in a good seat for a residency position. It's all about the well-roundedness

I wish I had a good reason! I will add that I am extremely young to be in d-school, (skipped a few years in total), but other than that, I can't say anything besides I tried my best and got what I got..

 

[thetoothfairy1806]

pedo is doable, not so sure about OMFS

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Wax n Relax]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Pedo is very competitive these days. You will need substantial extracurriculars to stand out in the crowd if you have a lower GPA/class rank. Programs get 100-200 applications and have to figure out how to narrow that down to ~30 to interview. Keep up with the hard work, get good letters, and dig deeper into the profession. Considering a GPR after you graduate if you do not have luck with either pedo or OS application process would help for the second round of apps too.

 

[zriceman]

Pedo is very competitive these days. You will need substantial extracurriculars to stand out in the crowd if you have a lower GPA/class rank. Programs get 100-200 applications and have to figure out how to narrow that down to ~30 to interview. Keep up with the hard work, get good letters, and dig deeper into the profession. Considering a GPR after you graduate if you do not have luck with either pedo or OS application process would help for the second round of apps too.

You are correct. Competition for pedo is very high these days. Class rank, gpa, board scores are very important but it doesnt mean low scores will rule you out. At the my school's pedo program several accepted residents are from bottom half of their class rank and nbdes in the low 80s and even below 80s. They, however, proved to the program that they have the personality, maturity and work ethic to become competent pediatric dentists through extracurriculurs, work experience, and references. And then there are the top 10%ers and NBDE >90 with extensive research background. Some pedo programs will only consider applicants in the latter group and other programs will consider applicants from the first group.

I personally don't know any OMFS taking applicants with nbde below 80 or low 80s or in bottom half of their class . I could be wrong though.

 

[Pedodel]

As a practicing Pediatric dentist , I was ranked about 50% in my class during dental school ( 16 years ago ).
I did as much extra Pedo experiences in dental school as I could ( even got a dental school award as a top pediatric dental student). I did a GPR when graduating to get more speed and more overall competence in general dentistry. I applied for pedo during this GPR. I got 8 interviews out of about 30 programs I sent my match application to.

I matched at my original dental school ( not happy about that at the time, but it worked out ok). Loving life and practice as a pediatric dentist since.

I know it is more competitive now vs 15 years since applying, so I am not sure about your possibilities.
I do know that Pedo programs do place a higher value on personality and motivation, vs grades in dental school compared to other specialties.
OMFS I don't think your chances are good. Pedo,,,, even though competitive, if you have a ton of extra experience on your CV it may be possible.
Best to you, good luck.

 

[Drbcca]

Go for 1 year AEGD then Pedo, or 1 year Public Health and Pedo, you have a high chance to get into Pedo after 1 yr AEGD at Rochester NY

 

[setdoc7]

I have seen it all, and then I see something I have never seen. High flyers, low flyers, they all have a chance at just about anything. Sometimes it is just luck and being in the right place at the right time.
Hi score on part 1 will get you a look from some OMFS programs, though not all as some must abide by med school decisions. 4 year programs are a better shot with lower GPA.
Pedo will be bolstered by hi ADAT.
BTW, OMFS and Pedo are quite different and require different skills and commitment. I would make up my mind first.

 

[Drbcca]

I have seen it all, and then I see something I have never seen. High flyers, low flyers, they all have a chance at just about anything. Sometimes it is just luck and being in the right place at the right time.
Hi score on part 1 will get you a look from some OMFS programs, though not all as some must abide by med school decisions. 4 year programs are a better shot with lower GPA.
Pedo will be bolstered by hi ADAT.
BTW, OMFS and Pedo are quite different and require different skills and commitment. I would make up my mind first.[/QUOTE

Totally agree