Like many of you, this summer has been one of soul-searching for me. This is my last year of dental school, and I have started to ponder all of my options for what to do next. Earlier this year, I had ruled out applying for a specialty…”too much school” I decided. And then I reasoned that I should just find an associateship somewhere and learn on the job, a sort of “baptism by fire.” But then I wondered, where will I look for a job? And what licensure test would give me the most options? For me, the sky is the limit as to where I can go work. I’m pretty sure it is time for me to leave the great state of Alabama and venture out to somewhere totally different, if only for a few years. I would imagine many of you feel the exact same way. And then of course there is the option of a General Practice Residency. This seems like a happy medium…I could live somewhere interesting for a year without the commitment that is often involved in taking on an associateship. I would also be practicing and learning much more than what my dental school education has given me. So in short, I am as indecisive as ever.
If any of you feel the same way and are trying to find information to help you in your future career, let me remind you that ASDA has some great resources to assist you. Click here for links to the various dental licensure testing agencies, state dental societies, all dental schools and much more! There are also links to PASS and Match as well as “alternative dental careers” such as Indian Health Services and military programs. Don’t forget about ASDA’s Guide to Postdoctoral Programs. Recently discounted, these can be found at ASDA’s online store. I have found this guide to be extremely helpful as a one stop shop resource for all programs.
Good luck to all this year on deciding where you will go next!
~ Sara Twardy, Alabama ’11, Editor-in-Chief
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