CAREER COMPASS
Oral and maxillofacial surgery externships: A preview for participation C. DER R I C K C O L EM A N Georgia ’20
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IT IS BECOMING MORE COMMON for oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residency applicants to show externship experience. Participating in an externship shows programs that you are serious. The usual metrics still apply (GPA, ranking, CBSE score, etc.), but spending time alongside residents, taking call and getting elbow-deep in full mouth extraction cases on your own time are great ways to show your drive and passion to an admissions committee. For most externship programs, the process of applying is relatively straightforward. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides a list of externship opportunities by state that includes a description of each program and how to apply. Some programs may not be listed, so make sure to do an online search for specific programs that you might be interested in. Each program has its own application requirements and documentation you need to submit. Reach out to an externship
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CAREER COMPASS
You check in on patients.
program with dates you’d like to visit and then work on gathering the necessary information to reserve your spot. Once you are extended an offer to participate in an externship, there are a few spoken (and unspoken) rules that should be followed as an extern: 1. Be quiet. I never knew if this was a threat more than a piece of advice, but I quickly learned it was both. As an extern, you are the low person on the totem pole, so you don’t really have a voice. You should not be mute, but you should also not be a — dare I say — know-it-all. Answer questions when you are asked and find the appropriate time to ask questions you may have. (If you can answer your question by Google-ing it, Google it.) 2. Participate. Assist. Extract. Lay flaps. Scrub in. Suture. Struggle. Immerse yourself. Learn if this is a specialty you really want to pursue. You cannot fully benefit by blending in with the clinic furniture or sitting in a corner under a blanket in the OR. Whenever you hear the words “make the extern do it,” jump right in. 3. Take call. Everyone should be well-aware that there’s more to being a surgeon than the glamorous side of surgery. There’s also that annoying little plastic box that will make noise at the most inopportune time. An extern should submit themselves to the call schedule and participate in all calls that come in throughout the day and night. Again, you are there to participate, so put yourself all the way in. 4. Make an impression. Think of an externship as a sort of working interview. The residents and faculty are able to see how you interact within
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My time spent as an extern solidified my desire to enter OMFS and gave me more confidence in my clinical ability, both as a student and as a future professional.
the department and how you handle a variety of situations, ultimately giving them an idea of how you may or may not fit in with the program. Show everyone that you are a valuable asset. 5. Follow up. At the end of your externship, thank the program director for allowing you to participate. A faceto-face meeting with the director is always best, but an email follow-up is a must. You should use the opportunity to express your gratitude and ask for feedback on your performance, not to beg for a spot in the residency program or provide your own negative criticism.
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In addition, you should look inward and perform your own evaluation of your experience. It’s important to be honest with yourself about the program and the opportunities in which you participated. My time spent as an extern solidified my desire to enter OMFS and gave me more confidence in my clinical ability, both as a student and as a future professional. I was able to make connections and build relationships that will last beyond my short time at the externships I participated in. Reach outside of dental school for valuable resources for your specific journey, and you will benefit from the experience. #
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