Many pursue a prosthodontics residency because of the advanced education and training, efficiency, and expertise with advanced technology taught in these programs. The training provides one with a different perspective to treatment options, planning, sequencing, materials, etc. Prosthodontists are extensively trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics. The in depth curriculum allows dentists to tackle a wide variety of procedures including full mouth rehabilitation and even cosmetic treatment. Furthermore, the ability to create prostheses for the elderly, trauma, and even cancer patients makes this specialty highly rewarding.
What are the challenges faced in the residency?
A prosthodontics residency is a rigorous, 3 year long program that incorporates didactics, lab work, and clinical experience into one.
What makes a competitive applicant?
Most applicants stated grades, rank, and great letters of recommendation are necessary for a competitive applicant. However, being involved in clubs, volunteering events, as well as other extracurriculars is important to put on an application. It is important to realize that each program values different aspect of the application. For example, some may value rank/grades more, while others value leadership or clinical experience.
What students wish they knew before interviewing:
Always look up a particular program so you have some specific information on the program for the interview. Have answers to generic questions rehearsed in your mind. Try to be as personable as possible because they are looking more for your personality than your resume at the interview.
What resources were helpful?
It's difficult to truly do research on programs because there are so many out there and they all sound the same on the websites. The best ways to learn about programs are through word of mouth. You can do research through the website portal (http://programpages.passweb.org/search) and go to each program's website individually. Many applicants used a combination of that plus asking people who were at the program or had gone through it. Many applicants' research consisted of looking at the past 4-5 years of graduation and seeing where people had gone in the past then doing more research on programs that sounded intriguing.
Advice from the Department Chair:
It is always best to go to the residency clinic and see for yourself if this is something you want to do. You could call the program director and ask if you could spend the day in the clinic. You could also talk to the current residences and ask them questions about their residency programs.