These are some good questions that do get asked a lot. I tried my best to answer generically based on my experiences after completing two years of GPR and now OMFS internship.
1.What are the BEST GPRs in the States (NY, Michigan, Cali, Arizona, NJ, Mass)
This is a subjective question and everyone will give different answers, it really comes down to what you are looking to get out of a program to determine what would be your best program. The best way to figure this out is determine the area you want to do your residency in and start calling programs and ask to talk to one of the residents. In my experience, this is the best source for reliable information.
2.IF you do NOT want to specialize...are GPRs still recommended?
Absolutely, GPR/AEGD programs will likely soon become standard to be competitve coming out of dental school. Another growning trend is states making GPRs a requirement for licensure (NY).
3.For those who have done GPRs ... do you really feel you got to do much more than an associateship (implants, surgeries..etc)
At my first GPR (Long Beach VA), I placed 10-15 implants and restored just as many if not more. I scrubbed into the OR several times, managed sedation cases for impacted 3rd cases, performed my own CL and pocket reduction surgeries, socket preservations etc. You will be hard pressed finding a good associateship these days as they are sort of a myth. Most of my classmates who searched for associateships ended up getting 3-4 part time jobs scaling teeth and hygiene procedures while the owner did all the lucrative dental work. This is a real pet peeve of mine where dentists are hiring new grads for hygiene and paying them less than a hygienist. It happens a lot when it shouldn't happen at all. Anyone who disrespects on their fellow colleagues this way should be ashamed. Sorry for the tangent, but GPR/AEGD is uncomparable to an associateship.
4.In GPRs do you get to do a lot of hands-on difficult cases that normally would be referred?
Yes, that is the idea of a GPR/AEGD. Some consider it a 5th year to dental school, but it is really more than that. Confidence, speed, treatment planning (most important thing to learn) and greater foundation of knowledge is what you will walk away with from a decent GPR/AEGD.
5.Are GPRs like dental school - is there an instructor always on hand?
Depends on the program. GPRs are supposed to be hopital based and AEGD are supposed to be more private practice geared but in reality, some GPRs are more AEGD in nature and some AEGD are more GPR in nature. Again, figure out what you want from a program and make some visits and phone calls. If yod don't know what you want, do what I did, find a program that does alittle of everything.
6.What's the avg income for a GPR?
most GPRs get GME funding which ranges on location from 35000-55000 (palo alto supposedly pays really well). My AVG in Long Beach, West LA and now Chicago all have been about 42,000-45,000/yr. AeGDs tend to pay worse as they are not GME funded, avg 20000 if that. good luck trying to pay loans, live and eat on that.
7.What do you need for a good GPR program (scores, gpa, research - i have none)...?
GPR is not OMFS or ORTHO, you don't need to be a academic superstar, but good stats don't hurt. Research is nice as it shows ambition and motivation, but to be honest, in the GPR rink - my directors haven't cared about research. OMFS is different.
8.When are the deadlines?
You better get moving as alot of dealines are Sept/Oct/Nov with interviews in Nov/Dec. See
https://portal.passweb.org/ most if not all programs go through PASS and MATCH which is another beast in itself. Follow the link to program search engine to seach for programs.
Hope this helps in making your decision.
