Tag: dental students

By Carrie Millar, Director of Insurance Operations, FDA Services, Inc.

Transitioning from dental school to the professional world is an exciting and pivotal moment in a dentist’s career. As a dental student, planning and making informed decisions about crucial aspects such as job hunting, applying to general residencies and acquiring essential insurance coverage is important. This blog post provides a helpful timeline to guide dental students through these significant milestones.

Job Hunting:

During the final year of dental school, typically 9-12 months before graduation:

• Begin researching potential job opportunities and practice settings.
• Attend career fairs, dental conferences and networking events to connect with potential employers.
• Update your resume and prepare a cover letter tailored to each job application.
• Consider creating a professional online presence through platforms like LinkedIn.

6-9 months before graduation:

• Start applying to job openings and submit your application materials.
• Schedule interviews with prospective employers.
• Consider externships or shadowing experiences to gain exposure to different practice settings.

Applying to General Residencies:

Around the final year of dental school:

• Determine if pursuing a general residency program aligns with your career goals.
• Research and identify residency programs that match your interests and provide the desired learning experiences.
• Familiarize yourself with the application requirements and deadlines for each program.
• Prepare a strong personal statement and gather letters of recommendation.
• Submit your application materials within the specified timelines.
• Visit ASDA for a list of all programs.

Acquiring Disability Insurance:

During the final year of dental school, as you near graduation:

• Begin researching disability insurance providers.
• Understand the importance of disability insurance in protecting your income and future financial stability.
• Assess various policies and coverage options.
• Obtain disability insurance coverage that suits your needs and budget before entering the workforce.

Make sure you complete all enrollment and financial deadlines for guaranteed-issued plans. They can often require enrollment within 30 days of graduation. 

Purchasing Malpractice Insurance:

Shortly before obtaining a dental license, before beginning practice:

• Research reputable malpractice insurance providers for dental professionals.
• Compare coverage options, limits and premiums.
• Consider joining professional organizations that offer discounted insurance rates to members.

Things to look for in plans:

• Is the carrier financially strong?
• Do they have good claims experience?
• Do they write nationwide in case you plan on moving states?
• Do they offer claims-made and occurrence form options?
• Do they support organized dentistry?
• Are they publicly traded or a mutual company?

Navigating the transition from dental school to professional practice requires careful planning and timely decision-making. Following this suggested timeline, dental students can efficiently approach job hunting, applying to general residencies and acquiring essential insurance coverage. Initiating these steps at the appropriate times ensures a smoother transition into the dental profession and sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling career. Remember to seek guidance from mentors, professors and industry professionals as you embark on this exciting journey.