Residency Guidance

Hey everyone! I'm an international dental student currently in my 4th (final) year and exploring residency pathways in the US. I have a 3.96 GPA, am working on a couple of papers, and plan start my INBDE prep before graduation. After dental school, I hope to come to the US to take the INBDE and pursue electives or any relevant clinical experience.

I’ve developed a strong interest in the diagnostic side of dentistry — especially Oral Radiology, Oral Medicine, and Orofacial Pain — though I’m still keeping an open mind as I complete my remaining rotations.

I have a few questions and would appreciate any input from people familiar with these pathways:

1. How are Oral Radiology, Oral Medicine, and Orofacial Pain as career fields nowadays? Especially interested in how Oral Radiology is evolving with AI.

2. Is it realistic for an international new graduate to match into a US residency with a stipend? I'm open to programs that offer limited licensure.

3. Should I consider going down the PhD route? Or maybe a different residency?

4. What are the key things I should focus on now to strengthen my residency application?

Any advice or insight would be extremely helpful. Thank you!