Getting in to Residency -A Read Breakout

Andrew Read-Fuller, DDSASDA Western Regional MeetingNovember 5, 2011

Before you apply…

The application process

After interviews are over

Extracurricular activities

Board Exam/Standardized Tests

Externships

NBDE: Pass/Fail

GRE

NBME

“Specialty” Test

Typically 1-4 weeks

Direct patient care vs. Observation

OMS: essentially required, optional for other specialties

Consider geography

What are programs looking for? Letters of recommendation Personal statement Making your CV Personal Potential Index (PPI) Postdoctoral Application Support Service

(PASS) Choosing where to apply Interviews

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

WHO? Faculty who know you and have worked

with you in a clinical settingAcademics in your specialty of

interest (especially OMS) “Department” Letter “Dean’s” Letter

Highlight accomplishments, not just leadership positions

Appropriate font/formatting

Beware appropriate length limits

Get help from someone with experience!

New this year on PASS

Existed previously for graduate school applications

Evaluation on six categories

Importance to program directors (?)

Intended to make life easier

Restrictive limits in certain categories

Beware application “deadlines”

Search program websites to assure accurate application requirements

2 x 2 photoApplication feeCVCopy of board scoresPrinted letters of recommendationSupplemental application materials

MYTH #1:

Interviews are always one-on-one.

REALITY:

Group or “panel” style is common.

MYTH #2:

The interview stops once you leave the room.

REALITY:

You’re being interviewed until you match.

MYTH #3:

Only faculty will interview you.

REALITY:

Residents, staff, etc. are all important. (see myth #2)

MYTH #4:

This won’t be like dental school interviews. Questions will all be

substantive.

REALITY:

Be ready for anything!

MYTH #5:

The interviewer asks all the questions.

REALITY:

You’d better have some questions ready too!

Common Questions:

Why OMS/orthodontics/endodontics?Where else are you applying?

Why our program?Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

What is your greatest weakness?What is your greatest strength?

Do you have any questions for me?

REMEMBER…

Your goal: be their #1 rank“I really want to go to your

program”

Thank-you notes: be flattering

The MATCH

Wrapping-up dental school Regional board exams (now is the

time) Finishing graduation requirements

OMS, GPR/AEGD, Ortho,pediatrics, anesthesia

ALWAYS favors the applicant (rank ‘em how you like ‘em)

Rank every program (unless you’d rather not get in at all)

Include all other specialties (endo, perio, etc.) as well as some ortho programs

Be prepared to make a quick decision!

andrew.readfuller@gmail.com