Pedo 2012

[sweetyork]

Last year, there was a great Pedo thread about applicants going through the application process. Let's start up a similar thread for this year (2012 pedo residency).

Let's discuss where we have applied, where we get interviews (hopefully), etc...

I'll start by confessing that I've applied to 27 programs and am going bonkers over all little extra things involved.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[midwestboy]

I am applying to 17 programs and am awaiting my PPIs and 1 LOR to submit my application....cant wait to be finished!

 

[sweetyork]

I am applying to 17 programs and am awaiting my PPIs and 1 LOR to submit my application....cant wait to be finished!

First, what's a LOR? Second, it will never be finished! Sending all the supplement materials (i.e. supplement applications/fees, undergrad/dental transcripts, CVs and original letters of references) takes forever. I hate the process.

 

[Tooth]

First, what's a LOR? Second, it will never be finished! Sending all the supplement materials (i.e. supplement applications/fees, undergrad/dental transcripts, CVs and original letters of references) takes forever. I hate the process.

LOR = Letter of Recommendation

 

[Sweet Toof]

Thanks for starting the thread! I am applying to several schools in the midwest... again! I have my application all done but just waiting on a LOR and one of my PPI evaluators.

Good luck!

 

[sweetyork]

Does anyone find it terribly annoying when programs ask for original letters of references? As it stands, I had to get some profs to fill PPFs & PPIs. Now some programs (who don't even state this in the PASS website) want original LORs. What is the point of PASS reference forms?

 

[kmccle5]

Good thread! Hopefully I'm not missing anything from what the schools have told me, but I luckily haven't come across any I'm applying to that require original LORs. To be on the safe side, I just did my 5 PPI and 2 PEFs which will hopefully cover all basis!

 

[sarah_bellum]

Does anyone find it terribly annoying when programs ask for original letters of references? As it stands, I had to get some profs to fill PPFs & PPIs. Now some programs (who don't even state this in the PASS website) want original LORs. What is the point of PASS reference forms?

Who's asking for LOR's to be sent directly to the program?

 

[sweetyork]

I didn't apply to any programs that needed original LORs or any that needed it from pediatric faculty members (don't ask why). But, I did apply to Rochester Eastman Dental. The PASS website didn't mention anything about original LORs, but their own website did. I contacted Rochester and they said that original LORs are only for people who are not applying through PASS. Hope this helps!

 

[sweetyork]

Just finished my last application. Feels great. It took 100 times longer than I originally thought. Free time here I come.

 

[midwestboy]

i cant wait until my last LOR is in and I can send in my secondaries...i should buy the envelopes this weekend and take a professional picture....choices choices

 

[sweetyork]

i cant wait until my last LOR is in and I can send in my secondaries...i should buy the envelopes this weekend and take a professional picture....choices choices

I thought I was the only one taking professional photos for the application. It sounds stupid and the pic wasn't great, but I thought it's worth it.

 

[Sweet Toof]

I thought I was the only one taking professional photos for the application. It sounds stupid and the pic wasn't great, but I thought it's worth it.

Lol, I was thinking the same thing : )

 

[greengrapes2006]

What are secondaries? Do you only do them after the programs have received your applications and ask you to fill out more info/paperwork?

 

[sweetyork]

What are secondaries? Do you only do them after the programs have received your applications and ask you to fill out more info/paperwork?

I think 'secondaries' are supplement applications many programs require (i.e. UCLA, UNMC, etc..). Most will be on their online website. But some (i.e. Boston U and Temple Episcopal) will email them to you after they recieve your PASS application. Hope this helps.

 

[Sweet Toof]

I just sealed the last envelope with the my supplemental requirements! Feels great, now the waiting game begins

Because this is my second time applying I changed as many things as possible. Some new LORs and essay to name a few. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are regarding the importance of the essay and LORs.

 

[sarah_bellum]

Just waiting on one... dangling... LOR...

 

[jal77]

As someone who has been part of the interview process (in terms of which applicants are granted an interview)...a professional photo is not necessary. Wear something nice and take a Passport Photo for 10 dollars. A smile tells a lot...so make sure you've got a good one.

i cant wait until my last LOR is in and I can send in my secondaries...i should buy the envelopes this weekend and take a professional picture....choices choices

 

[midwestboy]

As someone who has been part of the interview process (in terms of which applicants are granted an interview)...a professional photo is not necessary. Wear something nice and take a Passport Photo for 10 dollars. A smile tells a lot...so make sure you've got a good one.

It's a photo that I had taken a few years back. I didn't want to pay $10/photo for 10+ programs. I just went to cvs and used their kodak machine and selected the passport photo option....one more LOR

 

[setdoc7]

I just sealed the last envelope with the my supplemental requirements! Feels great, now the waiting game begins

Because this is my second time applying I changed as many things as possible. Some new LORs and essay to name a few. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are regarding the importance of the essay and LORs.

The essay is very important if you make the grade and board cut off. A mediocre essay says you were not that interested in going through the motions, a must if you want to be a successful resident and dentist, as paperwork, applications, privileges are a lot of work. It also gives the PD and anyone else who is reading it a small glimpse of who you are, or who you want to be.
The LORs are important, and can be devastating. We have received some in the past that have frankly said "this is not a good candidate". Be sure you are confident about who is writing for you.

 

[midwestboy]

I hope the mailing addresses on the aapd.org website are correct. I sent out my supplemental materials yesterday... word to the wise...if using the wonderful USPS send the applications out certified (requires a signature, but for whatever reason is cheaper than the standard delivery confirmation which just requires a bar code scan)...saved me almost $60...

 

[Sweet Toof]

The essay is very important if you make the grade and board cut off. A mediocre essay says you were not that interested in going through the motions, a must if you want to be a successful resident and dentist, as paperwork, applications, privileges are a lot of work. It also gives the PD and anyone else who is reading it a small glimpse of who you are, or who you want to be.
The LORs are important, and can be devastating. We have received some in the past that have frankly said "this is not a good candidate". Be sure you are confident about who is writing for you.

Thanks for the great insight!

 

[Sweet Toof]

The LORs are important, and can be devastating. We have received some in the past that have frankly said "this is not a good candidate". Be sure you are confident about who is writing for you.[/QUOTE]

That would suck!

 

[Vicarbo]

Just finished my last application. Feels great. It took 100 times longer than I originally thought. Free time here I come.

I just finished yesterday! It does feel great, and it definitely took longer than I expected!

 

[DENTEYE]

Does any one know of any pedo residents who are on visas after having done DDS. I know some schools accept . I would appreciate if any one from any particular school could respond.

 

[greengrapes2006]

Did everyone do 5 PPIs?
Some programs are requesting 5PPIs, but I am finding it difficult to find 5 professors to ask.
Is it a bad idea to apply to programs requesting 5 PPIs if I only have 4?

 

[sarah_bellum]

Did everyone do 5 PPIs?
Some programs are requesting 5PPIs, but I am finding it difficult to find 5 professors to ask.
Is it a bad idea to apply to programs requesting 5 PPIs if I only have 4?

I did 5. Also got my first "Your app is complete" email back from Cincinnati.

 

[talknerdytome]

UCSF dental student here.

Has anyone heard back from any of the programs with early deadlines like Lutheran Med Center or Primary Children's? When do these guys start sending out invites? Also, has anyone heard which Lutheran sites are worth your time. I heard Alaska is nice, but I heard Providence and Brooklyn are pretty dodgy. Any thoughts?

 

[greengrapes2006]

Based on last years posts, you should hear back from some of their programs in a few weeks (early/mid sept).
I have heard the same rumors about Lutheran- but I would only take it with a grain of salt.
Goodluck!

 

[sweetyork]

UCSF dental student here.

Has anyone heard back from any of the programs with early deadlines like Lutheran Med Center or Primary Children's? When do these guys start sending out invites? Also, has anyone heard which Lutheran sites are worth your time. I heard Alaska is nice, but I heard Providence and Brooklyn are pretty dodgy. Any thoughts?

I've heard (from an unreliable source) that UofMichigan has started sending interview invitations already. I've applied to UofM and only received an email confirming the completion of my application. I knew my chances are very low and this makes me doubt my chances even more.

 

[PedoForLife]

Well lets kick this thing off Wasn't expecting it to be this early.

Where: Rochester
Notified: 8/15/11
Mode: Email

 

[talknerdytome]

Congrats PedoForLife. I just go the same email today. When are you interviewing? Rochester here I come.

 

[talknerdytome]

I really was not expecting to hear from Rochester before some of the other programs with earlier deadlines. Does Rochester commonly invite early?

 

[Sweet Toof]

Well lets kick this thing off Wasn't expecting it to be this early.

Where: Rochester
Notified: 8/15/11
Mode: Email

Congrats Pedoforlife and talknerdytome (btw, love the profile name)!!!

What are the dates offered? I didn't apply there, but I think it helps to keep a complete list going : )

 

[Sweet Toof]

I really was not expecting to hear from Rochester before some of the other programs with earlier deadlines. Does Rochester commonly invite early?

This is a month earlier that last year for Rochester!

 

[BabyDientes]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum. I just received a letter in the mail today from Primary Children's in Utah rejecting me. Please tell me someone else has received one of these too. This is such an awful feeling. I only applied to 12 schools, and now one of them is already off the list. I am officially starting to freak out. Especially since people are starting to get interviews. This whole process is going to make me go nuts.

 

[sweetyork]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum. I just received a letter in the mail today from Primary Children's in Utah rejecting me. Please tell me someone else has received one of these too. This is such an awful feeling. I only applied to 12 schools, and now one of them is already off the list. I am officially starting to freak out. Especially since people are starting to get interviews. This whole process is going to make me go nuts.

Don't worry! There will be tons of people getting tons of rejection letters (and I include myself among those people). But most of us will not advertise it (not that you're doing it). I like to play the worse case scenario game in these situations. If I don't get in, then I'll practice general dentistry. I'll still be able to treat kids and do a heck of a lot more (prostho, endo, surgery, etc..; all which I love). General dentist are also better able to deal with economic bad times than most specialist. So, relax and be thankful that you're a dentist already.

 

[DDS4Less]

Congrats PedoForLife. I just go the same email today. When are you interviewing? Rochester here I come.

Congrats you two!!! Way to get the ball rolling! Nothing but better news in the near future...

 

[talknerdytome]

Hey, I chose the interview date for early November. I just worked out better for me. When are you going? Maybe I'll see you there. Just PM me and we can discuss the details more. Have you heard from any other schools yet? Now that I got that first invite I'm checking my email about 15 times a day.

 

[greengrapes2006]

Congrats to those who got interviews!! I just sent in all my applications. I'm relieved and now, patiently waiting! The applications took a lot longer than I thought they would.
Good luck to everyone this year.

 

[BabyDientes]

Are any of you hearing from schools? I just heard from Jacobi, saying my application was complete and that it will be under review. Are you all getting similar emails from schools? I would imagine it is just common courtesy. Oh, well. It beats a rejection letter.

 

[greengrapes2006]

Are any of you hearing from schools? I just heard from Jacobi, saying my application was complete and that it will be under review. Are you all getting similar emails from schools? I would imagine it is just common courtesy. Oh, well. It beats a rejection letter.

I have only received emails asking for secondaries and $$$!
I think we have to wait a few more weeks until interview offers happen. It's hard to wait, but time seems to go quick. Try not to stress too much and before you know it, I bet you'll have 5 interviews!

 

[CoachJawbone]

Which programs are everyone applying to?

I'm doing about 15 programs, perhaps slightly more in NYC, PA, DC, CT, IL, and TX

 

[midwestboy]

lol...its funny that we are applying to the same general areas...

Which programs are everyone applying to?

I'm doing about 15 programs, perhaps slightly more in NYC, PA, DC, CT, IL, and TX

 

[midwestboy]

received verification that my last recommendation was submitted today and my application is complete...thank God! now the waiting game begins

 

[talknerdytome]

Does anyone on here know anybody in the Rochester program? Residents or Faculty? I'm just sort of wondering what the interview will be like. Technical questions? Panel interview? etc., etc.

If you have any info please pass it my way. As soon as I go on the interview I will let all of you know what it is like so you can know what to expect. I really hope we can all help eachother out during this process.

 

[Sugarbugs2012]

I got an invitation to interview at Lutheran Medical Center (Tucson, AZ training site). I was excited to get an interview so early, but I am in a bit of a bind. This is my absolute last choice and I feel very confident that I will be getting many more interviews. Do you think it would be wrong to accept the invitation and then wait to see if I get all my desired interviews? Then if I get the ones I want, I could just cancel the LMC date. Is that unethical, or just playing it smart?

 

[BabyDientes]

I am surprised you (sugarbugs2012) have the nerve to post such a comment. We are very early in the interview process and I'm sure there are many applicants out there like myself who are anxiously awaiting our first invite, hoping that we will just get at least a couple. If you aren't interested in LMC Tucson, then why even apply there? I think if you don't want to go there then do us all a favor and turn down the invite so that someone else can have a shot.

 

[senpai]

Last year, there was a great Pedo thread about applicants going through the application process. Let's start up a similar thread for this year (2012 pedo residency).

Let's discuss where we have applied, where we get interviews (hopefully), etc...

I'll start by confessing that I've applied to 27 programs and am going bonkers over all little extra things involved.

Just a quick interview and career tip: the official name of the specialty is "Pediatric Dentistry" and the specialist within the field are called "Pediatric dentist", NOT "Peds", "Pedos", "Pedodontist", etc. It doesn't help our cause to use slang terms for pedophiles in regards to ourselves and the profession...

 

[GmdDmd]

Just a quick interview and career tip: the official name of the specialty is "Pediatric Dentistry" and the specialist within the field are called "Pediatric dentist", NOT "Peds", "Pedos", "Pedodontist", etc. It doesn't help our cause to use slang terms for pedophiles in regards to ourselves and the profession...

While it is true that the specialty officially changed its name from Pedodontics to Pediatric Dentistry back in the 1980's, I think that plenty of people in the profession use the terms Peds and Pedo.

Good luck to everyone applying this year!! I remember how nerve racking it can be waiting for those interview invitations. Be patient and try not to get too stressed out.