1. Andrew Read-Fuller, DDS ASDA Western Regional Meeting November 5, 2011

3.  Before you apply…  The application process  After interviews are over

4.  Extracurricular activities  Board Exam/Standardized Tests  Externships

6.  NBDE: Pass/Fail  GRE  NBME  “Specialty” Test

7.  Typically 1-4 weeks  Direct patient care vs. Observation  OMS: essentially required, optional for other specialties  Consider geography

8.  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

9. Source: ADEA FADEA Survey

17. WHO?  Faculty who know you and have worked with you in a clinical setting  Academics in your specialty of interest (especially OMS)  “Department” Letter  “Dean’s” Letter

20.  Highlight accomplishments, not just leadership positions  Appropriate font/formatting  Beware appropriate length limits  Get help from someone with experience!

21.  New this year on PASS  Existed previously for graduate school applications  Evaluation on six categories  Importance to program directors (?)

26.  Intended to make life easier  Restrictive limits in certain categories  Beware application “deadlines”  Search program websites to assure accurate application requirements

27.  2 x 2 photo  Application fee  CV  Copy of board scores  Printed letters of recommendation  Supplemental application materials

29. MYTH #1: Interviews are always one-on-one. REALITY: Group or “panel” style is common.

30. MYTH #2: The interview stops once you leave the room. REALITY: You’re being interviewed until you match.

31. MYTH #3: Only faculty will interview you. REALITY: Residents, staff, etc. are all important. (see myth #2)

32. MYTH #4: This won’t be like dental school interviews. Questions will all be substantive. REALITY: Be ready for anything!

33. MYTH #5: The interviewer asks all the questions. REALITY: You’d better have some questions ready too!

34. 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?

35. REMEMBER… Your goal: be their #1 rank “I really want to go to your program”

37.  Thank-you notes: be flattering  The MATCH  Wrapping-up dental school  Regional board exams (now is the time)  Finishing graduation requirements

38.  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)

39.  Include all other specialties (endo, perio, etc.) as well as some ortho programs  Be prepared to make a quick decision!

40. andrew.readfuller@gmail.com