GPR/AEGD vs postgrad "corporate" employment of same duration

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tonywonder

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Compare a gen postdoc program (say 2 yrs) with large practice employment of the same duration - in the context of ultimately preparing one for solo practice. Is short-term, post-grad "corporate" employment considered a practical alternative to postdoc programs?

I imagine the value of a residency is the advanced education needed to run a successful solo practice. How does a residency compare to corporate employment in terms of sharpening and expanding clinical skills? Would a 1st-year dentist at a large practice be limited to clinical cases similar to that of pre-doc?

I left out the option of practicing under a dentist in his/her private practice because I figured there's just too much variability there to generalize.

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Compare a gen postdoc program (say 2 yrs) with large practice employment of the same duration - in the context of ultimately preparing one for solo practice. Is short-term, post-grad "corporate" employment considered a practical alternative to postdoc programs?

I imagine the value of a residency is the advanced education needed to run a successful solo practice. How does a residency compare to corporate employment in terms of sharpening and expanding clinical skills? Would a 1st-year dentist at a large practice be limited to clinical cases similar to that of pre-doc?

I left out the option of practicing under a dentist in his/her private practice because I figured there's just too much variability there to generalize.

It really depends on what you want out of your first few years after school. If you feel comfortable working on your own and want to hit the ground running, corporate employment would probably be ideal. If you feel you would like more training or want to consider specializing in the future, a residency would be the way to go. Despite what they preach in denta school, a residency is not for everyone. Also keep in mind that there is a lot of variation between residencies but for the most part they work you hard and pay horribly in exchange for a few lectures with specialists. Maybe I'm biased because I hated my residency but to me the only way to get better at being a general dentist, is to be a general dentist.

To be honest, as far as knowledge goes, I learned things in residency that those in practice didn't. But as far as speed and skills, my residency didn't really do much to prepare me for a work environment. That's why I say if you're interested in research, specializing, or advancing your own knowledge, a residency is great. But if you're going to stick with general dentistry, I think a residency just holds you back. But again, that was only my experience.
 
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