anahorvath.com

Tag: orthodontics residencies

  • Applying to Orthodontics Residencies: An Update

    orthodontics residencies update

    Hi all and happy Friday! As we are now 191 days away from my dental school graduation and Match Day for orthodontics nears, I have updates!

    For those who want it short and sweet: I probably won’t be starting an orthodontics residency in 2026 and that’s ok. If you want to hear more about how I’ve come to that it’ll all be ok, then read on. And if you just came to see that I’ll be reapplying next cycle, more than likely, then that’s good too. See you when I post next!

    For those wanting a bit more…

    I applied to 15 orthodontics programs this year, 3 of which were non-Match and 12 that participate in the Match. I interviewed at 2 schools and unfortunately it looks like it won’t work out with either of those schools (and I know the decision of both schools I interviewed with because they were both non-Match programs). Orthodontics is something that has been part of my life since I was 7. That’s when I first became a patient. And then I was in ortho again when I was 12. At that point, I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, even if I didn’t totally understand what it was all about. I literally remember the moment my mom and I were coming home from the grocery store and I turned to her and told her I wanted to be an orthodontist. 🦷🤍

    From that point on, I continued to work hard in everything I did and years later here we are. I’m almost done with dental school and I did all the things I was supposed to do to finally get into an orthodontics residency and it didn’t happen this cycle. And you know what? That’s ok. And I know it’s going to be ok because I’m going to be an orthodontist at the end of all of this anyway. It may not happen exactly like I wanted straight out of dental school, but I will be an orthodontist.

    In the past, and still occasionally, I struggle with perfectionism. I want everything to go the way I want it to 100% of the time. When that doesn’t happen, in the past, I have found it really hard to cope with things. I didn’t do as well as I wanted on an exam? Devastated, I’m clearly stupid. Didn’t play as well as I wanted in tennis? I’m a horrible tennis player. That filling I did is clinically acceptable but could have had a better contour? Maybe I shouldn’t have pursued dentistry. The path I’m on is not an easy one to be on and the profession I’m pursuing isn’t an easy one to get into. If I were to continue to let myself be my worst enemy and stress over every little thing that has happened and could happen, I would eat myself alive. Throughout the last few weeks, I’ve come to the realization that I can still pursue excellence and push myself to be the best version of myself. BUT- I also need to stress less (easier said than done). I can’t enjoy anything I do if I’m always worried about things outside my control. As long as I know I’ve done my best and did my part, then the rest is up to the universe and whatever greater plan there is for me.

    Of course there’s still a chance that something could work out post-Match. I’m absolutely not giving up. But I’m trying to be realistic with myself and prepare for what needs to come next. I’ll work for the next year and do whatever I can to strengthen my application and then reapply next cycle. It will be ok. I know it will be. 🫶🏻

  • Applying to Orthodontics Residencies!

    Tom Frost Reservoir

    For anyone who knows me personally or has been following this blog, you may know of my goals to become an orthodontist. Well… things are (hopefully!) rolling and I am working on my ADEA PASS application for orthodontics residencies with hopes of pursuing the speciality starting after my graduation from dental school in 2026. I -CANNOT- believe that I’m already at this point in my dental journey.

    It’s incredibly helpful that a majority of the applications for orthodontics residencies (and actually most if not all specialty residencies) are taken care of by ADEA PASS which is a general application for those who don’t know. Once I submit that, then I get to work through the supplemental applications for each school. I think that this is where the really time-consuming part comes in. That, and I have to be sure that I’m organized in keeping each of the different program’s requirements straight.

    To answer a few questions:
    How many programs? I am currently applying to 17 programs. I did a lot of research with each of the programs I’m applying too. There’s a whole spreadsheet of data, pros, and cons. It’s a lot! Biggest thing I want to say is that I’m determined to get into a residency. Orthodontics residencies are highly competitive and I really really want this.
    Where are you applying? In terms of location: I’m looking at places I think may be fun to live and explore for the next 2-3.5 years. Of course I’ll be busy in residency, but I think that being happy where you are matters too! It helps that I have family/friends/family friends in a lot of these places, so that was a big factor. Cost is another factor, of course.
    Match or non-Match? I am applying to a combination of Match and non-Match programs, with a focus on Match programs that are not exclusively Match.
    What letters of rec are required? Depends on the program. I have 3 letters of recommendation as of now (2 from faculty, 1 from an orthodontist). I am also currently awaiting a Dean’s letter. These are typically required by all programs and cover your class rank, performance in school, etc.

    For anyone looking to get into dental school or a dental residency, my biggest advice is to be organized and start on as much as you can early!! I asked for my letters of recommendation at least 2 months before they were actually due and then by the time the application opened, those were all ready to go. My personal statement was in the works around that same time and I think that it really helps to get everything that you can control done as early as possible so that you can have a bit of give when things maybe take a bit longer elsewhere.

    Of course I’m incredibly nervous as I go through this process. There’s only so much that I can control. That being said, I think I’ve done everything I can to show who I am and I hope that’s something the admissions teams at these programs can appreciate. The fear of not getting in is very real, though. When I get worked up over that fear, I try to remind myself that someone else’s perfect fit is THEIR perfect fit. Just because I don’t get in to that particular school doesn’t mean I’m not a perfect fit at another program. Everyone will have their place.

    Not to get cheesy or anything, but to everyone who has helped me along my dental school journey, thank you. ❤️ I literally would not be where I am today without your support and encouragement. Dental school has been the greatest challenge of my life. I have cried a lot and been beyond frustrated and scared more times than I can count. But I have also grown so much and learned so much. Eight-year-old Ana sitting in the orthodontist’s chair for the first time would be so proud to see where we are now. She really had no idea that getting all excited about picking orange and black for her first band colors would get her to where we are now. Or maybe she did know. Maybe she was already thinking about orthodontics residencies then. Have a good week everyone. ❤️