Do I have a chance at Ortho?

[Dental08?09]

Since I have been diagnosed with cancer and been sitting at home and thinking (no longer in D-school until treatment is done), I was looking into specializing. I essentially finished my D2 year but I missed about 8 exams so the school will have me repeat 2nd year.

Two fields really interest me: Ortho and OMFS. I am leaning more towards Ortho just because of time.

Well the thing is I thought I would just want to be a GP and didn't do so Hot in the first two years. Now that I have been diagnosed with cancer, I want to specialize and be the best I could be. Here are my GPA's

1st year 1st semester: 3.1
1st year 2nd semester: 2.7 (I got one C and a C+ all other grades B or higher)
2nd year 1st semester: 3.2
2nd year 2nd semester: Withdrew for obvious reasons

Now when I repeat 2nd year I will do all the classes over again (the school said its to my benefit for the boards even though I got B's and better). I know I can hit a 3.8 or better because not only have I already done it, but I wasn't trying my hardest before.

So lets say I get 3.7 and higher from now on and hit 90's and up on board part I, would I be considered? What else do I need to do to be competitive?

Be honest please. I won't be offended if you say I have no chance in hell.

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[Jediwendell]

GPA means nothing. What is more important is your class rank.
If you aren't in the top ten percent you have about no chance of getting into ortho. You will have a better chance of getting into OMS. Study hard and get above a 95 on part I and you will get into OMS, most likely. Unless things change (which they may) your best, and maybe only, chance for ortho would be OEC.

Since I have been diagnosed with cancer and been sitting at home and thinking (no longer in D-school until treatment is done), I was looking into specializing. I essentially finished my D2 year but I missed about 8 exams so the school will have me repeat 2nd year.

Two fields really interest me: Ortho and OMFS. I am leaning more towards Ortho just because of time.

Well the thing is I thought I would just want to be a GP and didn't do so Hot in the first two years. Now that I have been diagnosed with cancer, I want to specialize and be the best I could be. Here are my GPA's

1st year 1st semester: 3.1
1st year 2nd semester: 2.7 (I got one C and a C+ all other grades B or higher)
2nd year 1st semester: 3.2
2nd year 2nd semester: Withdrew for obvious reasons

Now when I repeat 2nd year I will do all the classes over again (the school said its to my benefit for the boards even though I got B's and better). I know I can hit a 3.8 or better because not only have I already done it, but I wasn't trying my hardest before.

So lets say I get 3.7 and higher from now on and hit 90's and up on board part I, would I be considered? What else do I need to do to be competitive?

Be honest please. I won't be offended if you say I have no chance in hell.

 

[GatorDMD]

a guy last year at my school was ranked about 20ish (so he told me) and got like a 92 on NDBE I and got into a non OEC ortho program. You never know...

 

[TKD]

lots of ppl. get into ortho with lower rankings than the top 10. Sad but true, but in many cases it'll help if one of your parents are orthodontists. or if you have some sort of connection, maybe thru research or something. or if u kissed the right ass in the ortho program. some omfs programs you can get into w/ considerably lower grades. that's just due to the fact that there are so many omfs programs. i haven't calculated it myself but i would guess for every ortho spot there must be 5 to 7 omfs spots. my suggestion would be to apply to the one you see yourself doing for the rest of your life. these 2 are very different career moves. if u don't get in, try try again. do one of those tmj programs, or do a masters in something.

 

[adamlc18]

lots of ppl. get into ortho with lower rankings than the top 10. Sad but true, but in many cases it'll help if one of your parents are orthodontists. or if you have some sort of connection, maybe thru research or something. or if u kissed the right ass in the ortho program. some omfs programs you can get into w/ considerably lower grades. that's just due to the fact that there are so many omfs programs. i haven't calculated it myself but i would guess for every ortho spot there must be 5 to 7 omfs spots. my suggestion would be to apply to the one you see yourself doing for the rest of your life. these 2 are very different career moves. if u don't get in, try try again. do one of those tmj programs, or do a masters in something.

That's a bunch of crap. Direct from the Natmatch webpage:

GPR AEGD OMS PED ORTHO TOTAL

Institutions Participating in the Match

143 30 89 59 50 371
Programs Participating in the Match

148 33 99 66 52 398
Positions Offered in the Match

758 198 187 246 244 1633

I just wanted to point out that there are more ortho spots than OMS spots. That being said, I feel ortho is more competitive.

 

[seablaster]

Adamlc18 beat me to it. By the way, is that a M.U.S.C.L.E. in your avatar Adam?

 

[Doggie]

That's a bunch of crap. Direct from the Natmatch webpage:

GPR AEGD OMS PED ORTHO TOTAL

Institutions Participating in the Match

143 30 89 59 50 371
Programs Participating in the Match

148 33 99 66 52 398
Positions Offered in the Match

758 198 187 246 244 1633

I just wanted to point out that there are more ortho spots than OMS spots. That being said, I feel ortho is more competitive.

dammit........u beat me to it!

but a more accurate picture would be to look at the # of applicants per speciality.

 

[Jediwendell]

You know guys, I have been through both processes and have seen both from the other side. Ortho is still significantly more competitive than OMS from my standpoint. But that doesn't mean that OMS isn't competitive. I have seen guys get into six year programs with mid eighties on boards. I have seen 97 and number one fail to get an interview for ortho. I mean, when San Antonio, a relatively maligned ortho program, gets close to 200 applications per spot, that is pretty darned competitive. The OMS program didn't get nearly that many, and it has a much better reputation than the ortho program.

 

[adamlc18]

Adamlc18 beat me to it. By the way, is that a M.U.S.C.L.E. in your avatar Adam?

Yea it is. They were great toys back in the day.

 

[USCtrojan]

some omfs programs you can get into w/ considerably lower grades. that's just due to the fact that there are so many omfs programs. i haven't calculated it myself but i would guess for every ortho spot there must be 5 to 7 omfs spots.

I don't know what your background is on math, but you should learn how to divide and multiply~
Even though there are more omfs program, most of them take about 1-2 residents/yr compared to ortho 5-6 residents/yr.
let me do the math for you: 89 X 2 = ~178 omfs spots, 50 x 5 = ~250 ortho spots
and next time, don't guess.

 

[esclavo]

Since I have been diagnosed with cancer and been sitting at home and thinking (no longer in D-school until treatment is done), I was looking into specializing. I essentially finished my D2 year but I missed about 8 exams so the school will have me repeat 2nd year.

Two fields really interest me: Ortho and OMFS. I am leaning more towards Ortho just because of time.

Well the thing is I thought I would just want to be a GP and didn't do so Hot in the first two years. Now that I have been diagnosed with cancer, I want to specialize and be the best I could be. Here are my GPA's

1st year 1st semester: 3.1
1st year 2nd semester: 2.7 (I got one C and a C+ all other grades B or higher)
2nd year 1st semester: 3.2
2nd year 2nd semester: Withdrew for obvious reasons

Now when I repeat 2nd year I will do all the classes over again (the school said its to my benefit for the boards even though I got B's and better). I know I can hit a 3.8 or better because not only have I already done it, but I wasn't trying my hardest before.

So lets say I get 3.7 and higher from now on and hit 90's and up on board part I, would I be considered? What else do I need to do to be competitive?

Be honest please. I won't be offended if you say I have no chance in hell.

I've seen some really sharp people never make it into ortho after multiple attempts. I don't know if they interviewed well, but they seemed to have sharp numbers. So with your stats, I would refer you to that classic movie "Dumb and Dumber". Remember the part where the hot chich tells Jim Carey that there is a one in a million chance that the two of them would hook up? "So your saying there is a chance!!!!!", was Jim's reply. Well I would respond, that I guess there is always a chance that you could get into ortho... the principle is with WHAT chance are you comfortable in proceeding.

 

[Dental08?09]

Yeah I know OMFS and ortho are really different, but they are the only things I can see myself doing besides GP (still can concentrate on one thing as a GP instead of being a jack of all trades). Here at my school they showed us the real real close connection between ortho and OMFS and thats why I really like the two.

I guess I can try, but it looks like I pretty much screwed up. The new class I will be joining is very competitive. I'd be lucky to make top 15-20% if I got straight 3.8's for the rest of my schooling.

Do you think pulling the cancer card will get me some sympathy? You do know as of now they say my 5 year survival is at 40%

 

[drhobie7]

Yeah I know OMFS and ortho are really different, but they are the only things I can see myself doing besides GP (still can concentrate on one thing as a GP instead of being a jack of all trades). Here at my school they showed us the real real close connection between ortho and OMFS and thats why I really like the two.

I guess I can try, but it looks like I pretty much screwed up. The new class I will be joining is very competitive. I'd be lucky to make top 15-20% if I got straight 3.8's for the rest of my schooling.

Do you think pulling the cancer card will get me some sympathy? You do know as of now they say my 5 year survival is at 40%

I think before you get too far along the path to residency you should do an externship of at least 2 weeks in OMS (and maybe one in ortho as well). You'll gain a new perspective that you could not have gotten otherwise. I sure did.

 

[SuperTrooper]

Do you think pulling the cancer card will get me some sympathy? You do know as of now they say my 5 year survival is at 40%

The cancer card!!

No offense, but you didn't have stellar grades in first year when you didn't know you had cancer. So I think they'd see through that. And I don't want to sound cruel here, but I think telling a program that you have this cancer might freak them out. These are medical professionals, and they prob. know the survival rate. I dunno, maybe i'm wrong, but i think some might not want to take on somebody who possibly won't finish the program/give them tuition.

Good luck buddy!! Beat the **** outta that cancer!

 

[Dental08?09]

Good luck buddy!! Beat the **** outta that cancer!

Thanks!

Too bad I can't turn back the clock. One part of my demise my 1st year was I commutted 2 hours each way to school. I did that to save some bucks so I wouldn't have to ask my parents for money.

Oh well, I just have to work with what I have and do the best. When I start school again next fall I'm gonna tear it up, but it looks like too little too late.

 

[jpollei]

Thanks!

Oh well, I just have to work with what I have and do the best. When I start school again next fall I'm gonna tear it up, but it looks like too little too late.

Sounds like you have a good attitude about things...

Just keep in mind that good grades can have a bigger payoff than just looking good for a residency admissions committee. Actually learning the material regardless of what you are doing (and yes I realize that good grades doesn't always = greater subject matter understanding) is worth a lot to the patient sitting in your chair. Never think "too little too late," because anything extra you pick up could make a huge difference in the life of one of your patients.

 

[SuperTrooper]

The new class I will be joining is very competitive. I'd be lucky to make top 15-20% if I got straight 3.8's for the rest of my schooling.

How do you know they're very competetive? Sounds like you've already given up. Just kick ass the next three years, do well on the boards, and apply. If you have just one bad year i'm sure it'll be fine, as long as you show improvement, right? I know i wouldn't care about year 1 too much if I were an adcom - I always screw up my first year of everything cause i'm adjusting. Cancer or no, you've still gotta perform.

 

[Dental08?09]

Cancer or no, you've still gotta perform.

Thats the key. If anything it is going to make me perform! I realized you only get a shot at life once and you might as well as get the most from it, hence why I'm thinking and asking these questions now so I know how to prepare myself over the next 3 years.

I'm not looking for a hand out, just testing waters to see how badly year 1 screwed me.

 

[J2AZ]

Why dont you just concentrate on graduating, making some money, and enjoying life. FCK grades! FCK Ortho! Why stress?!? As you know life is too damn short.

 

[DcS]

Why dont you just concentrate on graduating, making some money, and enjoying life. FCK grades! FCK Ortho! Why stress?!? As you know life is too damn short.

All this coming from someone who, despite his dislike of ortho, still reads threads on an internet messageboard devoted to the very subject at 1 in the morning

 

[jpollei]

All this coming from someone who, despite his dislike of ortho, still reads threads on an internet messageboard devoted to the very subject at 1 in the morning

Good call.

 

[esclavo]

Yeah I know OMFS and ortho are really different, but they are the only things I can see myself doing besides GP (still can concentrate on one thing as a GP instead of being a jack of all trades). Here at my school they showed us the real real close connection between ortho and OMFS and thats why I really like the two.

I guess I can try, but it looks like I pretty much screwed up. The new class I will be joining is very competitive. I'd be lucky to make top 15-20% if I got straight 3.8's for the rest of my schooling.

Do you think pulling the cancer card will get me some sympathy? You do know as of now they say my 5 year survival is at 40%

There is no such thing as a sympathy card in OMFS. When I was a first year, my wife had a baby and I was lucky the baby flew out at the right time or I would have missed it. I was so sick, puking in the waste basket one time and trying to do a pre-op physical. The patient told me my breath smelt like vomit. I hadn't brushed my teeth in a week and I hadn't showered in 48 hours. My chief told me to work through it. This is a surgical specialty. Sympathy means that maybe someone might send you flowers... to put on your casket. It is cruel and ruthless. Ortho and OMFS are the two specialties I see as being the most far apart. We collaborate in orthognathic but day, to day, there couldn't be two things farther apart. I feel closer to all the dentists/specialists before ortho. Just my personal opinion.

 

[Jediwendell]

Yeah, this is a great point. DON'T, I repeat DON'T, do OMS just because you couldn't get into ortho or vice versa. you will never be happy if you do. OMS is too tough to go through just for something to do.

There is no such thing as a sympathy card in OMFS. When I was a first year, my wife had a baby and I was lucky the baby flew out at the right time or I would have missed it. I was so sick, puking in the waste basket one time and trying to do a pre-op physical. The patient told me my breath smelt like vomit. I hadn't brushed my teeth in a week and I hadn't showered in 48 hours. My chief told me to work through it. This is a surgical specialty. Sympathy means that maybe someone might send you flowers... to put on your casket. It is cruel and ruthless. Ortho and OMFS are the two specialties I see as being the most far apart. We collaborate in orthognathic but day, to day, there couldn't be two things farther apart. I feel closer to all the dentists/specialists before ortho. Just my personal opinion.

 

[J2AZ]

All this coming from someone who, despite his dislike of ortho, still reads threads on an internet messageboard devoted to the very subject at 1 in the morning

I have no dislike for ortho. It is a great specialty. It is probably the best as far as work hours, money, quality of life. My comment is directed at the fact this kid (OP) has cancer! Some times you have to be harsh. I guess my statement just wasn’t clear. Yes I believe he should not give up on life because of his illness but why should he waste precious time trying to get into the most competitive specialty when his grades are not up to par. He would be swimming up stream but If you want to encourage him be my guest.

On a side note, you do remember that there is more than one time zone in the US and one of them is Pacific? Your 1am is my 10pm

 

[Distal Dildo]

Since I have been diagnosed with cancer and been sitting at home and thinking (no longer in D-school until treatment is done), I was looking into specializing. I essentially finished my D2 year but I missed about 8 exams so the school will have me repeat 2nd year.

Two fields really interest me: Ortho and OMFS. I am leaning more towards Ortho just because of time.

Well the thing is I thought I would just want to be a GP and didn't do so Hot in the first two years. Now that I have been diagnosed with cancer, I want to specialize and be the best I could be. Here are my GPA's

1st year 1st semester: 3.1
1st year 2nd semester: 2.7 (I got one C and a C+ all other grades B or higher)
2nd year 1st semester: 3.2
2nd year 2nd semester: Withdrew for obvious reasons

Now when I repeat 2nd year I will do all the classes over again (the school said its to my benefit for the boards even though I got B's and better). I know I can hit a 3.8 or better because not only have I already done it, but I wasn't trying my hardest before.

So lets say I get 3.7 and higher from now on and hit 90's and up on board part I, would I be considered? What else do I need to do to be competitive?

Be honest please. I won't be offended if you say I have no chance in hell.

Well, as competitive as the programs are please allow me to state the obvious, YOU HAVE NO CHANCE.

Sorry, usually when one gets cancer they want to live life and not throw it away in college. Whats your real story?

 

[Distal Dildo]

Thanks!

Too bad I can't turn back the clock. One part of my demise my 1st year was I commutted 2 hours each way to school. I did that to save some bucks so I wouldn't have to ask my parents for money.

Oh well, I just have to work with what I have and do the best. When I start school again next fall I'm gonna tear it up, but it looks like too little too late.

Seriously, you sound like a real loser full of excuses.

Never heard of someone getting cancer then wanting to specialize. I almost pissed myself. I think you should tell everyone your story so they can slap you across the face.

Its ridiculous really.


I got bad grades because of a commute..... Should have taped lectures.

I want to specialize b/c I got cancer......you dont need chemo you need your head examined.....The way your headed you wont graduate much less specialize!

 

[drhobie7]

Seriously, you sound like a real loser full of excuses.

Never heard of someone getting cancer then wanting to specialize. I almost pissed myself. I think you should tell everyone your story so they can slap you across the face.

Its ridiculous really.


I got bad grades because of a commute..... Should have taped lectures.

I want to specialize b/c I got cancer......you dont need chemo you need your head examined.....The way your headed you wont graduate much less specialize!

Wow, you're a jerk. It's no wonder dental schools aren't accepting you. If by some miracle you do get accepted your awful personality will guarantee your failure in private practice. You're in the wrong pre-profession. Go for law. There a$$holes thrive.