As orthodontic residents, you may be wondering how COVID-19 may impact your residency, graduation as well as future jobs. Rest assured, orthodontic residency programs and institutions are doing their best to keep up in these changing times. Additionally, many residency programs are taking steps to ensure students can complete necessary didactic, clinical and assessment experiences to graduate on time.

Residents with any specific concerns should reach out to their respective department chairs or program directors. You can find contact information for orthodontic residency programs here.

For individuals who have scheduled their American Board of Orthodontics exams, look for emails and communications directly from ABO. Please contact ABO at 314-432-6130 or [email protected] with any follow-up questions or concerns about the exam.

Are there any online education options available?

Residency programs and educational institutions all over the world are finding creative ways to deliver online education. Additionally, AAO student members receive free, convenient, 24/7 access to over 500 hours of first-class education content. The recorded lectures library covers a wide range of clinical and practice management topics. Presentations are viewable on your computer or mobile device, or through the AAO mobile app.

To view doctor and business lectures, there is no need to register. Your member ID grants you access to the free content through the end of April.

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How will this impact future jobs?

While it is difficult to predict the full impact this pandemic will have on the profession, what we do know is that every generation has challenges and like those that came before, the challenges stemming from this pandemic can and will be overcome with determination, foresight, and perseverance to make it happen. Here’s what residents can do right now to prepare:

  1. Maintain communication with potential or future employers and keep track of their situations;
  2. Don’t give up on your plans but do consider other options;
  3. Establish a financial game plan and prepare for contingencies (e.g., consider best and worst-case scenarios and how to handle them).

Be sure to check out these financial planning resources: