What is your plan if you do not match into our oral surgery residency this season?
It is a well-known fact that around only 48% of applicants match into an oral surgery residency program, and there is a real chance that you won't match this year. How you answer this question will show the interviewers that you have an interest in the field of oral surgery and won't let not matching get you down. It will also show your tenacity for one day achieving your dream if you don't match this year.
"My first plan would be to retake the CBSE to improve my current score of 66. I hope to score in the upper 70s or 80s when I take it next time. For the remainder of that year, I already have a general practice role lined up with a great general practice in my hometown. where they need help. The owner knows my plans to reapply for OMFS residency next year if I don't match this year."
There are a couple of ways to answer this question. First, you want to show that you have a contingency plan in place should you not match. This can include improving your CBSE score, going into general practice, or doing an internship year. Then, talk about your plan to reapply if you don't match. Whatever path you choose, show the interviewers that you have the confidence and drive to match into a reputable oral surgery residency program like theirs.