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Any residency application advice?
Hello! I am a current dentist (for about 3 years now) and am interested in applying for an orthodontic residency. However, I did not get in the last cycle. Any recommendations or advice on how to improve an application? I am at a complete loss. Thank you!
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Nika’s Answer
Hello! I'm a recent dental school graduate who is also interested in orthodontics. I'm currently reading articles to learn more about the field. If you get a chance, I suggest attending an orthodontic congress. For example, I saw that abstract submissions for the EOS Congress 2026 are already open, which could be a great opportunity.
Thank you Dr. Nika! Good Luck to you too!
Sally
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Dr. Sally !
In your State of Florida, candidates for a residency in Orthodontics are screened for strong academic performance and relevant experience. Your candidacy seems to be on the high end according to this. Candidates also need to already have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree which you have since you've been practicing for three years. Participating in research projects can strengthen an application.
Did you submit letters of recommendation from your Dental School professors, dentists or orthodontists that address your skills and observations of your work ? These are usually part of the application. In Florida, the orthodontics residency is considered highly competitive, so it's nothing you may be doing, just a matter of reapplying.
Have you applied to the University of Florida's program ? It is a 35 month program. The University of Florida's Orthodontics residency program uses the National Matching Services Match Program, which is a computerized service that matches applicants to their preferred programs based on mutual preferences. The Match Program Postdoctoral Application Support Service system is mandatory for applicants and facilitates the application process by providing uniform information to participating programs. For updated and detailed information about this, inquire at the dental school you attended.
I am not sure if you are saying that you didn't apply yet because you say you are interested in applying but did not get into the last cycle which could mean you missed the deadline or you applied and were not accepted. The start date to apply through Match is not available online, but the deadline to get applications in is August 15th and the program begins July 1st. Call the university that you intend to take the residency at and ask them when should you apply for the residency. Ask them for the current start date and deadline.
You seem to fit the requirement for this residency, but as I've mentioned, it's very competitive and the institutions probably have only so many slots allotted to fill with residents. It's probably nothing you're doing wrong and just a matter of applying early and reapplying if not chosen.
I hope this helps, but definitely double check all information with the university you are applying to or your former Dental School. Best wishes in all you do !
In your State of Florida, candidates for a residency in Orthodontics are screened for strong academic performance and relevant experience. Your candidacy seems to be on the high end according to this. Candidates also need to already have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree which you have since you've been practicing for three years. Participating in research projects can strengthen an application.
Did you submit letters of recommendation from your Dental School professors, dentists or orthodontists that address your skills and observations of your work ? These are usually part of the application. In Florida, the orthodontics residency is considered highly competitive, so it's nothing you may be doing, just a matter of reapplying.
Have you applied to the University of Florida's program ? It is a 35 month program. The University of Florida's Orthodontics residency program uses the National Matching Services Match Program, which is a computerized service that matches applicants to their preferred programs based on mutual preferences. The Match Program Postdoctoral Application Support Service system is mandatory for applicants and facilitates the application process by providing uniform information to participating programs. For updated and detailed information about this, inquire at the dental school you attended.
I am not sure if you are saying that you didn't apply yet because you say you are interested in applying but did not get into the last cycle which could mean you missed the deadline or you applied and were not accepted. The start date to apply through Match is not available online, but the deadline to get applications in is August 15th and the program begins July 1st. Call the university that you intend to take the residency at and ask them when should you apply for the residency. Ask them for the current start date and deadline.
You seem to fit the requirement for this residency, but as I've mentioned, it's very competitive and the institutions probably have only so many slots allotted to fill with residents. It's probably nothing you're doing wrong and just a matter of applying early and reapplying if not chosen.
I hope this helps, but definitely double check all information with the university you are applying to or your former Dental School. Best wishes in all you do !
Updated
Srinivasa’s Answer
Hello , good to see your interest in ortho. Please check fellowships available out there. Like involve in research articles , cranio facial research. Look into pass website for fellowships. Talk to program directors on websites and LinkedIn. Attended conferences , do ortho courses ce.
Thanks
Dr Pathagunti
Thanks
Dr Pathagunti
Thank you, Dr. Pathagunti! I would love to be able to speak with a program director! I just need to find one that is willing to take the time to speak with me :) I have also looked into CE courses. I can see how research is very important, but I don't know how to do that as a dentist who is working .
Sally