TLDR;
In this episode of "Ask Dr. Darwin," Dr. Darwin interviews Dr. Minh, a recent orthodontics graduate, about his journey into and through ortho residency. Dr. Minh shares his experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring orthodontists. Key points include the importance of passion, work ethic, and character for ortho candidates, tips for standing out during the application process, and the significance of financial planning for new graduates with student loan debt.
- Importance of passion, work ethic, and character for ortho candidates.
- Tips for standing out during the application process, including visiting programs and networking with residents.
- Significance of financial planning for new graduates, particularly regarding student loan management.
Meet Dr Minh [2:07]
Dr. Minh introduces himself, mentioning his graduation from Howard University in 2018 and his completion of a 34-month orthodontics residency at West Virginia University in April 2021. He shares that he quickly found a job in private practice and has been working there for about six months. He expresses excitement about sharing his experiences and insights with the audience.
Why ORTHO [3:22]
Dr. Minh explains his decision to specialize in orthodontics. Initially, it wasn't his top choice, but during his third year of dental school, he realized the importance of orthodontic treatment for achieving optimal smile aesthetics and occlusion. He found the puzzle-like nature of tooth movement intriguing and appreciated the long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment compared to more aggressive restorative procedures.
Describe your residency program [5:38]
Dr. Minh describes his residency program at West Virginia University, noting that it was a 34-month program with a strong clinical focus (80% clinical work, 20% research). He estimates seeing about 120 full-record patients with a wide range of cases, including children, teenagers, adults, and surgical cases. He emphasizes the importance of experimenting with different techniques and appliances during residency to discover personal preferences. The program was self-directed, requiring residents to take initiative in their learning.
Program Challenges [10:17]
Dr. Minh discusses the challenges of ortho residency, particularly during the first year, when the field can feel foreign compared to other dental specialties. He notes the steep learning curve in diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in visualizing tooth movement. He also addresses the challenges of biomechanics and managing unexpected tooth movements during treatment. He highlights the importance of working closely with faculty and seeking guidance when problems arise. Additionally, he touches on the evolving landscape of aligner therapy and the need for self-directed learning to gain expertise in this area.
What is a GOOD candidate [15:04]
Dr. Minh shares his perspective on what makes a good ortho candidate, emphasizing passion, work ethic, and character. He acknowledges that orthodontics is a competitive specialty, often attracting top-ranked students. However, he believes that passion and drive are more important than academic ranking. He advises aspiring orthodontists to visit private practices and programs, ask questions, and ensure they genuinely enjoy the work. He also stresses the importance of good character and the ability to get along with others, as residents spend a significant amount of time together.
Tips & Advice [21:58]
Dr. Minh provides tips and advice for those applying to ortho programs. He suggests taking the ADAT (Advanced Dental Admission Test) to increase chances of acceptance. He also advises taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) if required, even if it's not heavily weighted. He recommends visiting programs to make a lasting impression and emphasizes the importance of self-motivation in the application process.
Next Steps and Special Project regarding Student Debt Management [27:15]
Dr. Minh discusses his upcoming board certification exam and shares information about a special project he's working on related to student debt management. He explains that he became a consultant for CFS Dental Division, helping dental students and new graduates navigate their student loans and avoid costly financial mistakes. He offers a brief overview of income-based repayment plans and the importance of planning student loan repayment during residency. He will be back on the podcast to talk more about student loan planning and financing.