"Once a perio patient, always a perio patient" A regular recall system after periodontal treatment means you develop long term relationships with patients, similar to general dentistry. This specialty is for those who enjoy the finesse of microsurgery, rather than oral surgery. This specialty also appeals to those who aim for a work focused lifestyle rather than business. You don't have to be a good business person to be a successful periodontist. The typical periodontist will go to a different office each day of the week managed by someone else. Lastly, specializing in general is meant for those who want become an expert of one aspect of dentistry rather than trying to master everything.
What are the challenges faced in periodontics?
The downsides of specializing means that you must go through more school and the debt that follows. In addition, implant work is becoming more of a gray area as technology makes it easier to place. It can be done by periodontists, general dentists, oral surgeons, and even prosthodontists. BUT if you’re a specialist you’ll always be needed for the challenging cases.
What makes a competitive applicant?
Past applicants highly recommend you go on externships at schools you are interested in. If they don't have a formal externship program, call the program director and ask if you can shadow their residents. This is an experience that will set you apart from other applicants and you'll get to know the residents, directors, and faculty - some of which may even be interviewing you! Dr. Lungergan advises that you have a reasonable GPA, but you don't necessarily need to be in the top 20%. We also know that program directors are looking for students with leadership, peer teaching experiences, research, or community service. Residents aren't guided like we are in dental school, so program directors are looking for someone who can be independent. Research helps because a lot of programs require a master's degree. They also want you to show dedication to the specialty. Some ways you can achieve this is by shadowing periodontists inside and outside of school, and assisting Dr. Grill's periodontal surgeries. Lastly, because most residencies have a tiny class size, the biggest selector will be your personality. They want someone who can fit in to what they want the next class to look like. Be good to your patients and show humanism.
Tips before applying:
Talk to the periodontists at school to gather multiple perspectives on periodontics and how they got to where they are. Shadowing an office of a fairly recent graduate will allow you to see what your life will be like 4 or 5 years down the road. Talk to Dr. Lundergan, upperclassmen, and hang out in the oral surgery clinic to practice more periodontal surgeries.
Things we wish we knew before interviewing:
Be prepared to talk a lot as the interview lasts the entire day. It will be tiring so come with high spirits and lots of energy.