To Do or Not To Do an AEGD or GPR After Dental School?

By Brooklyn Janes

Advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) programs and general practice residencies (GPRs) often carry certain perceptions within the dental student community. These one-year programs are sometimes seen as options for students who lack the competence to enter private practice directly or who didn’t gain sufficient clinical experience during their four years of dental school. However, as I approach my graduation in April, my perspective on AEGDs and GPRs has changed significantly.

I am thrilled about my upcoming AEGD residency, having recently been accepted into NYU Langone’s AEGD program at Roseman University, which begins in July. My decision to pursue this residency was driven by the opportunity to gain advanced training in oral surgery, implants and endodontics.

Before applying, I had conversations with program directors about the value of an additional year of training. One director’s response really resonated with me: “Do you want to be a breadand-butter dentist, or do you want to be a super dentist?” That question made me pause and reflect on the type of clinician I want to become. It encouraged me to think critically about the procedures I want to master and the level of efficiency I am aiming to achieve in my practice.

Endodontics is a particular area of interest for me, especially mastering the treatment of molar teeth. At my dental school, endodontic training primarily focuses on anterior teeth and premolars, so gaining more experience with molars is a goal of mine. Similarly, my mentors have emphasized the importance of oral surgery for general dentists, particularly the ability to perform extractions. Helping an emergency patient get out of pain through a well-executed extraction is a valuable service we can provide as general dentists. While I’ve always been drawn to oral surgery, the more procedures I perform, the more I realize how much more I need to learn.

I’m also eager to expand my knowledge of implants. At my dental school, we were required to restore an implant with a crown, but surgical placement and associated procedures, like bone grafting, were not part of the curriculum. While I considered external continuing education courses for implants, many seemed expensive for a recent graduate like myself trying to manage significant student loan debt. This further reinforced my decision to pursue an AEGD, where I could gain hands-on experience in implant dentistry in a much more affordable and sure way.

To determine if an AEGD was the right fit for me, I spent some time shadowing the residents and program directors. If you are considering whether an AEGD or GPR is the right choice, I highly recommend reaching out to programs you’re interested in and observing current residents to see if the residency aligns with your goals. Can you envision yourself in the program? Do you connect with the program directors and attending faculty? Do the residents seem happy and supported? Can you picture yourself living that lifestyle in that location?

It’s also important to recognize that not all AEGD and GPR programs are the same. Each program has its niche, serving different populations and focusing on particular procedures. For example, some programs cater to pediatric patients, providing extensive experience in pediatric dentistry. Others are hospital-based, focusing on special needs dentistry, general anesthesia and oral surgery. Some programs collaborate closely with specialty residencies, such as endodontics, allowing residents to gain significant experience in those areas. Understanding the strengths of a program and its patient population is crucial to choosing the right fit for your goals.

I was particularly drawn to my upcoming residency because it offers the opportunity to work closely with multiple specialists, including cosmetic dentists, endodontists, prosthodontists and periodontists. For anyone considering a specialty residency, completing an AEGD or GPR is an excellent way to gain exposure to advanced procedures while enhancing your marketability for specialty programs. Many specialty residencies, such as endodontics, oral surgery and periodontics, often prefer applicants who have completed additional training beforehand.

Initially, I was 100% committed to starting my career immediately after dental school. However, after reflecting on my long-term goals and the kind of dentist I aspire to be, pursuing an AEGD became the perfect choice to help me achieve them.

Brooklyn Janes is a fourth-year dental student and AGD chapter president at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine. To comment on this article, email impact@agd.org.