When my husband was applying to Oral Surgery programs he heard someone say, "The Oral Surgery program that is right for you is the one that you get in to."
There's a lot of truth to this statement. Many people talk about specializing in Oral Surgery but not many realize how difficult it actually is to get into, or get through*. When my husband was on the interview trail, over half of the other interviewers were already in internship programs and on their second or third round of applying. In fact some programs will only accept applicants that have completed an internship so if you're applying as a dental student that automatically cuts out a big chunk of programs.
The only programs we seriously looked into were the ones my husband got an interview at. If you are in the position of ranking programs you should carefully consider the different dynamics of each program when you are ranking your list (and decide this as a team). Here are just a few factors you might want to consider about each program:
Cost of living
Schools (if you have children that are or will be school age during residency)
Proximity of family/friends
Is the program near a safe place to live
Will there be any type of culture shock involved for you or your family
How will the commute be
Who are the current attendings and residents in the program (this will affect your husband so much which will affect your family)
How many hospitals are associated with the program and the distance involved
If any rotations are long distance and how long that rotation is (some can even be out of state)
Does the program specialize in any aspect of Oral Surgery and is it something your husband is interested in
You'll have to come up with a list of questions together of things that are important to you and your family. One of the best pieces of advice I received when we were going through the application and interview process was to not get attached to any programs. It can be hard to do because you almost have to imagine life at each program to decide which you would prefer over the other but realize that you might get placed in the program at the bottom of your list. Try to be objective and not attached.
The chances of you getting into a particular program is very slim, so be open. Unless your husband has done something to stand out way above all the other applicants you both really just need to be open to any program that will accept him. Remember that if you rank it you should be prepared to move there and accept any and all aspects of the program. Choose to be happy with whatever program you get accepted into and embrace all aspects of it.
Its a great accomplishment that you've both made it this far so congratulate yourself and be open to all possibilities when match day comes along! Good luck!
*(I have a friend whose husband has a long family history of Oral Surgeons. She had heard so many stories about residency life that she was sure she knew exactly what she was getting into. However, she told me that residency life was so much harder for both of them than she thought and was almost amazed that they got through it.)
