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First 6 Months After OMFS Residency, OMFS vs Endo vs GP, Healthcare Salaries, TMJ Treatment
Description
Top 5 Topics:
- The Harsh Reality of Resident Paychecks
- Dental School Debt & Regret Crisis
- Mental Health & Survival in Residency
- The Truth About Dental Insurance & Medicaid
- TMJ Surgery & Patient Trust Explained
Top 8 Viewers on this Episode on TikTok LIVE #80 Q&A:
1st - Goober, @matheusmaximiliantheiii
2nd – J, @jabaratheo
3rd – @asddenominator
4th – Stas Sheshnev, @stassheshnev
5th – Mirgela, @mirgela7
6th - @leviswifey96
7th - Meryn Blair Schraier, @omgitzmern
8th - @toothsuperstar
Quotes & Wisdom:
[07:55] “Don’t get bogged down by one exam—use it as fuel for the next one. Aim for only A’s and B’s across the course.”
[08:45] “People overestimate what doctors make in training—residency can feel like $7.50 an hour. It’s a grind, not a goldmine.”
[10:58] “Debt is real—tuition and cost of living climbed faster than reimbursements. Make decisions with eyes wide open.”
[13:55] “Most TMJ care starts conservative. Once you open that joint, you’re more likely to need more surgery later—choose wisely.”
[16:30] “Protect your peace: finish work, step away, see your friends/family, and keep a nightly wind-down routine you don’t negotiate.”
[21:55] “Start with what you actually like doing daily. If you love it and you’re good at it, specialization is worth exploring.”
[24:25] “There’s no hack for the CBSE—make time for it, adjust your schedule, and push.”
[27:31] “OMFS needs a strong presence in dental schools—own the space, protect training, and keep standards high.”
[30:39] “Tell patients everything they need to know. Clarity builds trust—and safer care.”
[16:50] “You won’t hit every workout in residency—don’t spiral. Miss one, hit the next. Consistency beats perfection.”
[08:20] “We should incentivize hard work, innovation, and excellence—patients deserve the best prepared clinicians.”
Questions:
[02:34] “Is there any way to surgically lower the ramus / decrease the gonial angle?”
[07:50] “I just got my first C—how do I recover?”
[08:12] “How much are you making a year now—and why does it vary so much by region?”
[10:48] “Would you still choose dental school with ~$600K in loans (24 DAT, lower GPA, doing a master’s)?”
[13:48] “Tips for TMJ—when is conservative care enough and who is a surgical candidate?”
[16:20] “How do you keep yourself sane in residency—time for family, friends, health, budgeting?”
[21:47] “Is specializing (e.g., Endo vs staying GP) worth it?”
[24:19] “How do you study for the CBSE during dental school?”
[25:40] “Which OMFS programs are best if you want to do lots of implants and All-on-X?”
[28:50] “Downsides of a 4-year OMFS track versus a 6-year MD track?”
Now available on:
- Dr. Gallagher’s Podcast & YouTube Channel
My watch in this episode = Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chrono
- 10.2025
#podcast #dentalpodcast #doctor #dentist #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #dentalschool #dentalstudent #dentistlife #oralsurgeon #doctorgallagher