Why take a post-graduate general dental program - GPR/AEGD

[rarm1]

We will be posting this here since it may be of interest to all dental students. In addition, we will be posting on the residency pages.

I recently received a private e-mail from a student asking “why should a student take a residency is it is not required.” I answered it immediately without checking for repetitive statements. I have reviewed that answer and modified it. Since I tried to follow an outline some statements will repeat.

I reviewed this with Dr. Peter M. Gershenson, Director, General Practice Residency Program, Jacobi Medical Center. We are both program directors.

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A residency is not for everyone. Each program/residency is different. They can range from all dentistry in some AEGD programs to all hospital based in some GPR programs – yet all met accreditation. Most programs are some where in between. But each dental school is different. They concentrate in different areas. So a student from one school may have different experiences from those in another dental. There are many “elective areas” that some schools do not offer.

Let me first start with what are the simplest things a graduate program can do.
• Some states require it, but as you said this may not apply to many at this time (more states are requiring it, Delaware was the first in 1940.)
• It’s a year to develop efficiency, accuracy, maturity, more experience (in even routine dentistry) and confidence – so you can be more productive when you start practice.
• Most programs teach in a semi private practice setting, unlike dental schools.
• You can gain experiences, not taught in dental school (advance oral surgerical procedures, implants, advanced dental procedure, special needs patients, emergencies [urgent dental care, dental trauma, and also care of medical emergencies on your dental patients].
• Develop communications skills with patients and other professionals.
• It allows for networking to help set your career goals (exposes you to speciality areas that you may decide you like).

And most important:
• It is a year to DECIDE WANT YOU WANT TO DO.
• Learn more while being paid – after this you pay for CE programs.
• Get 250 credits to AGD (if you are interested).
• Patient contact, especially with those not accepted to dental school, but may be seen in your practice.
• Making mistakes on some one else – reduce the risk of malpractice.
• Higher pay when you start practice – many residents are offered better deals than those straight out of dental school.
• AND: TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF ANY BOARD EXAM – if you don’t pass, you still have a job – the residency. You still have months to take/retake board exams – or go to a state that requires only a residency.

Why has Delaware required a residency year (or military experience, or several years in private practice since) since 1940.
Required Dental Residency - The Delaware Experience
Why did Delaware decide on requiring a residency:
Improved Competency
Improved Confidence
Additional knowledge in fields not covered in dental schools
Modeled after medicine
In an article, “A Report on a Requirement of a Dental Internship for Dental Licensure: The State of Delaware” by State Board of Dental Examiners, in the
Journal of Hospital Dentistry, 1971 (note: then a residency was called an internship) a total review was given. I was allowed to review the facts with the board a long time ago.

The history from 1935 shows there was limited accreditation of schools and programs. The schools did not follow a standard guideline. Delaware had reciprocity with nearby states and even with some states through out US. Delaware was one of first Boards to recognize and participate in National Boards. But there were problems. The standard of practice poor and there were many complaints and problems. There were poor controls on the schools and examines. The tests were curved (now, the National Boards have already changed their report of grades and plan to go to pass/fail).

From 1935 to 1939, Delaware changes its code. They ended reciprocity and stopped accepting the National Boards. They modeled the dental code after Medicine – hospital experience. They wanted to gain more respect and to help gain parity with medicine. They gained the respect in health care and from the public. With medicine the helped with the Academy Of Medicine – Both Dentists and Physicians are equal. At the hospital there is one staff, the Medical/Dental Staff – with equal status.

They created a new Code of Ethics – which was answerable to Board of Dental Examiners, not state society. They prohibit advertising then (this has changed locally and nationally). They require additional experience before practice, like medicine. They decided that an internship (now called a residency) like medicine was ideal. They were realistic and had other options: military service or 5 years private practice.

The law passed in 1939, effective in 1940 for those seeking licensure in 1944 would need the additional experience. They allowed grandfather clause from 1940 to 1944 with no penalty till 1944. They required graduates of ADA certified schools and ADA certified internships (residency programs).

What was the experience with Law of 1939? It did not decrease numbers applying for state licensure. It increased numbers staying in state. There was more service to under serviced via hospital programs and those with the additional experience. It increased competency – as seen on exams. It gave time for graduates to think of future plans so they knew what they wanted to do. It improved communications and mutual respect with both fellow dentists and with other health care providers. It improved comprehensive health care and increased patient care especially for the special needs patients, but also in hospitals and emergency (24 hrs.) coverage.

What were the problems expected? Would it slow dentists coming to the state – there was no evidence – only comments, complaints. Would the limited income of a program penalize economically disadvantaged – there were other options besides an advanced program, the programs had salaries that are competitive….. and when they started practice, they got higher paid, and were better prepared.

Realizing the debt problem, Delaware in 2002 started a loan pay back program. Realizing back in 1939 that all programs were not the same, they have continued to require that programs must be accredited. While this may limit people low in their class, there are still other options.

The Delaware Board was easy for those qualified and prepared. (I agree all boards create pressure and panic). The early exam required three parts – written / clinical / DOR. The written was based a many items that advance training would allow you to pass. The written also had a clinical treatment planning exam, asking for different treatment options – again advanced training helped. With the advanced training any where in the country it was easy to pass… without, well it was hard.

The boards have changed. Now they accept the National Boards so there are still three parts – clinical / DOR / National Boards. Residents – recent grads of any program in the country have near a 100% pass rate. Graduates right out of school had more problems especially with the clinical.

After these requirements, and especially any residency, the dentists are better qualified (as any one would be with experience). The dentists have more of a desire to “pay back” for their education by teaching/volunteering. There is improved access to care, especially the compromised patients. It is easier to work with MDs.

What are the problems a residency program may have? The top student may not be best for a program, but it is hard to refuse them. There may be candidates who do not desire a residency, but need one to practice (like in NY now). Some may feel it’s owed to them, because it is required. It puts some pressure on the students lower in class since it may be hard to get into a program and some states only accept a residency. Many residency programs want to help the students who may need more time to catch on, but can’t have a complete program of weaker students (the match will effect that).

What is the future? – Mandatory vs. Encouraged? Studies/reports by ADEA (American Dental Education Association – before called AADS), the IOM (Institute of Medicine), and ADA on the future of dentistry recommend a required year. NY has the residency in lieu of an exam. Other states have followed. Delaware requires both.
The studies suggest it can increased the scope of practice and give the time needed for all the new areas. It will give more confidence and experience which will all increased care for the medically compromised. It may help reduce the crowded undergraduate curriculum (other steps are being taken in the schools).

There are problems – there not enough programs for everyone. There are not enough educators to teach in the programs. Which will be better – an AEGD or GPR.
Are the salaries enough? Is there a good dental experience? Will there be learning of dental emergencies (especially after hours) and medical emergencies in dental patients? Can programs get attending emergency coverage? Will there be support of non dental rotations? How will it effect salaries in private practice? Will it improve professionalism and attitudes?


Peter M. Gershenson, DDS
Director, General Practice Residency Program
Jacobi Medical Center
Bronx, NY

Robert N. Arm, DMD
Vice Chair, Dept. of Oral&Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry
Program Director, General Practice Dentistry Residency Program
Christiana Care Health Services
Wilmington Hospital
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 428-6468
(302) 428-4814(fax)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cell 302-530-6788

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[thxspeaks3d]

Dr. Arm,

I completed a residency last year. In short, I wasn't happy with the program and I never was exposed to the procedures I always wanted to try. I don't know if my experience is typical among residents from other programs.

But as you said, no two residency programs are the same and there isn't a single one that is perfect. Still, I feel like I've chosen the wrong residency for myself and I could have made a better personal choice if I spent more time researching programs before having applied to them.

What would you recommend for someone like me? Is it practical for me to do another residency?

 

[rarm1]

Dr. Arm,

I completed a residency last year. In short, I wasn't happy with the program and I never was exposed to the procedures I always wanted to try. I don't know if my experience is typical among residents from other programs.

But as you said, no two residency programs are the same and there isn't a single one that is perfect. Still, I feel like I've chosen the wrong residency for myself and I could have made a better personal choice if I spent more time researching programs before having applied to them.

What would you recommend for someone like me? Is it practical for me to do another residency?

Hi,
I am sorry for your bad experience.

The first recommendation to everyone, is as you said - check out the programs... Speak to a current resident, visit the programs in the second half of the year when the residents have experience. Each program is different, what one may love, another may hate.

Now in your case... It depends on what you want to learn, what you missed. There are special mini "internships" on special care dentistry and other areas. Often a formal CE program can work. If you are interested in a speciality,like OMS... a year internship may work.

to go into more details.... just call.

 

[Rube]

my 2 cents:

AEGD programs that are school-based tend to allow you to see 2-4 patients per day and you get to really be mentored closely and slowly complete complex cases. I'd say these can be good experiences. The downside you get paid $24,000 per year.

The GPR programs that do hospital dentistry are JOBS!!! I repeat: JOBS!!! They expect you to see 8-10 patients per day. After attending an externship at one such program and seeing 8 patients in a day I felt 1) exhausted 2) they were sort of a scam to get us working for the underserved for less.

I mean this in that you are WAY underpaid for your investment and DDS degree at $45,000 per year. You are doing all the work of a young staff dentist and yet you are losing out on $55,000 a year in income that you SHOULD be receiving for seeing 8-9 patients a day. Some may feel that the 3 hours per week of case conferences with specialists are worth losing $55,000 a year on. I call that one hell of a tuition bill. Think for a moment if your dental school charged you $55,000 in tuition alone for a 5th year and made you hustle 8-10 patients a day --you'd rightly feel it unfair. But call it a "residency" and young dentists accept it... As you can see I feel this is a terribly high price to pay for working as a new staff dentist and being called a resident. At 5 O'clock the staff or resident both have worked an honest day, but one gets an honest pay.

However, financial criticisms aside, the fact is residencies train people very well (usually). I think the ideal is to skip the residency and find an equivalent experience(s) in the real world where you are paid like a professional. Even if it takes you 2 years of private practice or public health dentistry to clinically catch up to a 1-year residency I feel its ok at this stage in our development. Clinical development is continuous and happens over the long term... plenty of time ahead of us.

 

[setdoc7]

You are correct, a residency is a JOB. And that is the ultimate goal for most dental students who are training for a CAREER in dentistry. Here are some of the financial factors you missed in this job:

1. Complete benefit package, which is included with the job, that would cost you in the neighborhood of $20,000.
2. Free malpractice insurance through the sponsoring hospital
3. Paid vacation, not available in many private practice jobs
4. Paid sick leave
5. Paid time off for CE
6. Paid time off to take boards or licensing exams
7. Paid CE
8. Paid disability
9. Paid life insurance
10. Paid major medical and dental insurance

Just a few of the perks at a hospital based GPR

Further, you will not be able to start working for some time after your graduation, as it takes time for your license, DEA, etc to be processed as well as setting up your malpractice insurance. Residency starts July 1 after graduation, no license required, just a diploma, so add in the lost income of the perhaps 2 months you will be waiting around ( or working in Starbucks)

As far as the 8-10 patients a day, that's called training for the real world, and your speed and efficiency will be up to par when you complete the GPR, as opposed to the snail pace that most D-students work at. Get a grip, there's no free lunch, and no hopsital will pay you for nothing.

 

[Rube]

Get a grip, there's no free lunch,..

Unless you are a hospital getting government GME $ per resident

and no hopsital will pay you for nothing.

...come on man.


I get that not believing in the value of a general residency is some sort of blasphemy in academic dentistry, but specifically, all I am saying is that in general dental residents are very underpaid for procedure driven health care and don't do that much different from other dentists. I apologize if my language was a little harsh w/r to why we have residencies, I mean no offense to the OP or to you, its just the SYSTEM we have adopted and the main reason the ADA prez is now on board is for access. Again, clinically I have seen with my own eyes very competent PG residents and think clinically it is a good choice, financially I disagree with them.

 

[Cold Front]

clinically I have seen with my own eyes very competent PG residents and think clinically it is a good choice, financially I disagree with them.

On the same token, wouldn't you say the difference in salary between a fresh associate and a GPR resident is an investment to be competent? and wouldn't that investment qualify you for a better associate position in the real world after you complete the residency?

If so, then would it matter if you worked as hard as a dentist at the hospital, isn't the JOB about you and what you want to get out of the residency? Hospitals are teaching institutions, they teach you to handle real world volume and become confident (which you lacked when you walked in through the door). How would you feel if you was a well seasoned dentist at the hospital, and some fresh grad started their residency at the same pay grade as you?

But that's beside the point... I agree, GPR is a great transition year, clinically.

 

[setdoc7]

On the same token, wouldn't you say the difference in salary between a fresh associate and a GPR resident is an investment to be competent? and wouldn't that investment qualify you for a better associate position in the real world after you complete the residency?

If so, then would it matter if you worked as hard as a dentist at the hospital, isn't the JOB about you and what you want to get out of the residency? Hospitals are teaching institutions, they teach you to handle real world volume and become confident (which you lacked when you walked in through the door). How would you feel if you was a well seasoned dentist at the hospital, and some fresh grad started their residency at the same pay grade as you?

But that's beside the point... I agree, GPR is a great transition year, clinically.

What do you think the salary for a GPR is?

 

[Rube]

On the same token, wouldn't you say the difference in salary between a fresh associate and a GPR resident is an investment to be competent? and wouldn't that investment qualify you for a better associate position in the real world after you complete the residency?....

Yes it is an investment, but one I feel cannot be financially justified. Yes you would be in a better position--so what? A one year associate is in a better position after his/her one year of working too. The question is... is the difference between the two that much better to justify the $55,000 in forgone income and another year of interest accumlation? Or maybe its not even worth thinking in terms of clinical development in terms of where you are at year 1... maybe its worth looking at where the two dentists are in 5 years? The point is you grow clinically, financially and emotionally for a long career. The one year after graduation point is sort of arbitrary point that we focus on as students... it will come and go by quickly.

... How would you feel if you was a well seasoned dentist at the hospital, and some fresh grad started their residency at the same pay grade as you? ...

That wouldn't make sense, but paying an new "resident" dentist 90-100k does makes sense. Do you have any idea how much money the avg program gets from the government GME $$ just to "educate" you? ... its available for the looking or maybe one of the directors would share this info on this board, but I doubt it.

 

[setdoc7]

We pay our PGY 1 residents 57,000. The benefit package when all is said and done is worth about 20,000. That is for a one year. During that year you will get 4 weeks of paid vacation time. Their are 10 paid holidays (another 2 weeks off), so you will only be working for 46 weeks. Then there is sick time, which is paid, and the average resident takes about a week during the year...so 45 weeks.
The benefit package is generally used for the med/dent/pharmacy insurance by the residents, but does include disability and life. Although no one can anticipate unforseen issues, I can tell you from my experience as a director...things happen. One of our residents fell off his bike a few years back and broke his right arm in so many places he was out for several months...paid. Female residents have been out on maternity leave with a job waiting for them when they returned, and were paid for most or all of the leave. Breavement leave is part of the package (one of my residents is on that now). If you think this does not add up, think again.
When you consider that the residency is worth about 77,000, and divide it by the 45 weeks you actually work, it is about 1700/week
When you consider private practice for the exact same time period, 45 week from mid august to june 30, at 100,000 for that time period, it is about 2200 per week. Also, you are not taking any time off during private practice.
The 2000/month differential may help pay for all the insurance you do not have, as well as student loans which come due right away, and the tax difference if you are and independent contractor and must pay self employment tax.
There are other perks to residency. Some people will make more than 100,000 a year right out of school. For them a residency might not pay from a financial standpoint. I still believe the training more than offsets the financial loss, which in the long run is very slight.

GME money at my institution does not really cover salary and benefits. I know that some other hospitals get more, but it is meant to pay for training, which includes supplies, educational materials, attending and ancillary staff, and clinic expenses. Believe it or not, training a PGY 1 is very expensive.

 

[rarm1]

I agree, our residents get above 100,000 to start, most a lot more. They have several offers to choice from. And as I mentioned they have time to think before they sign, they don't have to worry "what happens if I don't pass the boards"

As mentioned, a post graduate year is not for everyone... and every program is different. It is generally the last chance you will be paid while you learn. Many people look for long CE programs (on topics that would be covered in a residency) and pay and lose time from their office - and yes you will always need to learn.

Again, as mentioned, the benefits are excellent... often not given to a new practicer.

While GME funds help us, and generally limits most programs on who they can accept... most programs still loss money. Educators, whether teaching at a school or in a hospital, would make more in private practice... most of us are in it because we love to teach. Most hospitals want us to watch the budget, but strongly support education.

Post grad is something to think about in your senior year. Good luck to those you want a program, especially in the coming match. And good luck for those going straight into practice... dentistry is an excellent profession

 

[udem]

Dr. Arm,

I completed a residency last year. In short, I wasn't happy with the program and I never was exposed to the procedures I always wanted to try. I don't know if my experience is typical among residents from other programs.

But as you said, no two residency programs are the same and there isn't a single one that is perfect. Still, I feel like I've chosen the wrong residency for myself and I could have made a better personal choice if I spent more time researching programs before having applied to them.

What would you recommend for someone like me? Is it practical for me to do another residency?

thxspeaks3d has a point here. Is it practical for a GPR graduate to follow with a second year GPR? You may choose a wrong residency again...

I'm personally in this dilemma. I made some efforts to relocate my small family in a different part of the country just to find out that the residency wasn't what I expected to be in terms of coaching, training or procedures. I'm not a quitter, it's just 1 year so I'll go on and finish it but a bitter taste is still there!

 

[pietrodds]

VA hospital GPR is by far the best way to go! The only exception is if you have an interest in doing pedo which most new grads do not. If you're goal is to do private practice, you need to practice crown and bridge, endo, implants... and the VA is the only place where you'll get that experience. It's the only place where your Tx isn't limited by what patients can afford which in most other GPRs is nothing other than extractions and fillings. Best pay, best exposure to various procedures, able to take off for CE, and usually have specialists available for consultation.

 

[ItsGavinC]

This is a great thread & I'm going to sticky it at the top of the forum for a while.

 

[aphistis]

VA hospital GPR is by far the best way to go! The only exception is if you have an interest in doing pedo which most new grads do not. If you're goal is to do private practice, you need to practice crown and bridge, endo, implants... and the VA is the only place where you'll get that experience. It's the only place where your Tx isn't limited by what patients can afford which in most other GPRs is nothing other than extractions and fillings. Best pay, best exposure to various procedures, able to take off for CE, and usually have specialists available for consultation.

I agree completely. I did a VA GPR last year and it was an excellent experience. I did a ton of oral surgery, fixed & removeable pros, restored several implants, and did as much endo as I wanted (which was probably less than it should have been). The off-service rotations were excellent as well; my anesthesia rotation paved the way for the year of full-time anesthesia training I'm doing now. If you have the opportunity to do a VA GPR, consider it carefully before turning it down.

 

[rarm1]

I agree completely. I did a VA GPR last year and it was an excellent experience. I did a ton of oral surgery, fixed & removeable pros, restored several implants, and did as much endo as I wanted (which was probably less than it should have been). The off-service rotations were excellent as well; my anesthesia rotation paved the way for the year of full-time anesthesia training I'm doing now. If you have the opportunity to do a VA GPR, consider it carefully before turning it down.

VAs are very good programs. But all programs have pluses and minuses...
With the VA excellent pros, OS, but limited children.

AEGD are very good, often more mentoring in a school, but less after hours emergencies.

GPR more compromised pts, emergencies, trauma, but often more on-call...

Check with the current residents.... now is the time.... they have spend over half the year... now is the time to visit...

Every one offers something different, but then again, each student may want something different,,, be it experiences, or location....
Check with recent grads of your school and all of the programs.

 

[JamesOSU]

What is an example of a good GPR/AEGD for students who might be interested in Pedo and want more exposure, and something to help their application to MATCH in a Pedo program?

PS. Quick thanks to Dr. Arm for answering my questions about practicing in Australia on DT, the quick response was much appreciated!

 

[rarm1]

What is an example of a good GPR/AEGD for students who might be interested in Pedo and want more exposure, and something to help their application to MATCH in a Pedo program?

PS. Quick thanks to Dr. Arm for answering my questions about practicing in Australia on DT, the quick response was much appreciated!

Thank you for the comments.

I would look for a GPR that treats special needs patients. All programs must have some, but the number varies. You would want OR experience, especially with kids and special needs. You would want an active Emerg on call to see avulsed teeth and trauma.

Best way to find one is to speak to current residents, especially in this second half of the year.

You would also want to see if you can get as much experience in the first few months (is there schedule flexible) to be sure you get the exposure you want to be sure you want peds. I would also check to be sure, if all goes well they would support your application to a peds program. This may mean doing a presentation/review early so you can show the programs you are applying to.

Any questions, just email or call

 

[rarm1]

Post-graduate general dental program is aimed at local and international dental graduates preparing for a career .... skills and knowledge to provide oral implant treatment in general dental practice.

I agree. Due to the structure and financing, many can not take foreign grads.

Hopefully all grads are looking for a career in dentistry. And, hopefully all can learn some additional techniques. From after hour emergency management, emergency care in the dental office, to advanced surgery and pros (including implants)
bob

 

[ThomasK]

I spoke with Dr. Thomas Karmen and he said that management capabilities are essential He is a consultant in management techniques and gives a great lecture, look him up and attend his seminar

 

[rarm1]

I spoke with Dr. Thomas Karmen and he said that management capabilities are essential He is a consultant in management techniques and gives a great lecture, look him up and attend his seminar

Management is a CODA requirement but has little to do with this thread

 

[dentalwebsites]

Another great benefit of some GPR programs is IV Sedation certification. There are many programs that offer IV Sedation options. Sedation Dentistry has been a huge benefit to my practices. I know that Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH offers IV Sedation Certification, and I think the University of Utah GPR does as well. You can also become certified through continuing ed. programs.

 

[rarm1]

Another great benefit of some GPR programs is IV Sedation certification. There are many programs that offer IV Sedation options. Sedation Dentistry has been a huge benefit to my practices. I know that Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH offers IV Sedation Certification, and I think the University of Utah GPR does as well. You can also become certified through continuing ed. programs.

Many programs offer different levels of pain control, patient management.... from behavior, to OR care. Often in a 1 year program it is hard to met all requirements for IV sediation, many other forms may not be approved, each various. Most 2 year programs have many options in advance patient control

 

[TuftsDMD2009]

You all make good arguments either way. For me, I see more benefit to a GPR rather then an entry level associateship. I'm saying this as a current GPR. Yes, it is a complete drag monetarily. And yes, such a decision to do a GPR shouldn't be taken lightly b/c those financial institutions will come knocking once they know you're graduated. Overall, I'm enjoying my time because I'm taking the opportunity to see and experience as much as I can. It is a unique experience for sure. Whether I will do certain procedures when I leave the program remains to be seen. In any event, a GPR will make one not only a better dentist, but better doctor. Last time I checked we do have "doctor" in our title.

 

[danielbathurst]

I did a GPR dental residency and I found it to be a worthwhile experience. You get to do a lot of surgery that I found to be useful as an emergency dentist. Residency also makes you more competitive if you are looking to go into a speciality program.

 

[rarm1]

i am adding information about interviews to this thread:

The interview:
The general rules are be prepared, be yourself

First decide on what programs to apply for. Start in the sophomore or junior year. Ask your faculty, ask students who are applying and check out the web sites. Once you have some idea, contact the programs, speak to the residents and try to visit. Ask questions on what they are looking for.

Now that you have some idea of the programs, apply in a timely fashion with all that is requested. Now you have wait for invites for interviews. Each program does this differently. Some invite every one, some invite only those with a high chance, some invite in waves, some tell you the one date for interviews others give you a choice.

Before you go:
Check the facts on the program check the areas, prepare questions you may want answered.

You used PASS to apply, now DO PASS
P: Presentation –look good, be wide awake and have a rested appearance,
go well dressed and groomed (as a professional), no gum, no unusual
getups.
A: Attitude – show you are interested, read the material about the program,
ask questions, Show that you are willing to work when you accept the
program. At the interview - listen, pay attention. Willingness to “give
back” Your compassion to dentistry.
S: Scholarship – while it is too late to change grades, be able to explain any
problems, show you are qualified, explain any special interests in dentistry.
S: Skills – any special skills you have used like trips to treat patients,
volunteer clinics, special programs you attended/gave, foreign languages
and be prepared to answer questions about those skills, what will you
offer/ add to the program.


Try to Relax
We generally start our questioning with asking the student to
1.Tell us about themselves,
a. What are their outside interests- this hopefully gets them to relax.
(sports, activities)
b. What are their outside the classroom activities - research,
volunteering, special dental projects, help missions.
2.Why are you doing a GPR?
3.What would you want to get out of the GPR?
4.Future plans, Where to you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
5.Explanation for any academic blemishes
6.What special areas of dentistry do you like? Don’t like?
7.What are your strong points?
8.What are your weak points?
9.How many special procedures (like prosthetics)
10. Random question based on what you said to see if you think on your feet.
11.YOU ASK QUESTIONS – get answers so you can make up your mind.
12. Questions about relocating to program area, would you need help (in medicine, couples are often given special arrangements), etc.


We encourage our residents to seek their potential. We have helped many residents apply for and get accepted to specialty programs. I have no problems with candidates using a residency to see if they want to specialize.
Note - many programs may not like this.

Hope this helps all of you with interview, good luck on the interviews,
Any questions - call, cell 302-530-6788
__________________
Robert N. Arm, DMD
Vice Chair, Dept. of Oral&Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry
Program Director, General Practice Dentistry Residency Program
Christiana Care Health Services
Wilmington Hospital
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 428-6468
(302) 428-4814(fax)
cell - (302) 530-6788
[email protected]
[email protected]

 

[smileartist09]

Is it true that a dental school graduate can only enter an AEGD or GPR directly out of school and cannot start one of these residencies after 1 year post graduation? I was told that this was a rule of the ADA, but cannot find this anywhere on the Internet. Please advise!

 

[rarm1]

Is it true that a dental school graduate can only enter an AEGD or GPR directly out of school and cannot start one of these residencies after 1 year post graduation? I was told that this was a rule of the ADA, but cannot find this anywhere on the Internet. Please advise!

You can apply for a AEGD/GPR ANYTIME -
often if programs have openings they will accept a late graduate in Sept or Jan.

We often have applicants who graduated 1-2 years before. It may be harder to get in.... programs look at what you did for that year. If some one has taken off... a program may be needed but harder to get into. If some one did a community health clinic for a year, it may be easier to get into.

 

[DentStudent2010]

You are correct, a residency is a JOB. And that is the ultimate goal for most dental students who are training for a CAREER in dentistry. Here are some of the financial factors you missed in this job:

1. Complete benefit package, which is included with the job, that would cost you in the neighborhood of $20,000. bull

2. Free malpractice insurance through the sponsoring hospital I havnt interviewed at one practice yet who doesnt cover this in full.

3. Paid vacation, not available in many private practice jobs
most priveate practice positions give at least 2 weeks off paid

4. Paid sick leave (same as #3)

5. Paid time off for CE (same as #3)

6. Paid time off to take boards or licensing exams pass it the first time while in school

7. Paid CE each place i interviewed offered $2000 and lets be totally honest, the CEs given at the dental schools are crap.

8. Paid disability not all places pay this. its about $900 year.

9. Paid life insurance I dont plan on dying soon but life ins is cheap

10. Paid major medical and dental insurance covered in private practice.

Just a few of the perks at a hospital based GPR SAME!!!! but GPR pays 120,000 less!!!

Further, you will not be able to start working for some time after your graduation, as it takes time for your license, DEA, etc to be processed as well as setting up your malpractice insurance. Residency starts July 1 after graduation, no license required, just a diploma, so add in the lost income of the perhaps 2 months you will be waiting around ( or working in Starbucks) get real!!

As far as the 8-10 patients a day, that's called training for the real world, and your speed and efficiency will be up to par when you complete the GPR, as opposed to the snail pace that most D-students work at. Get a grip, there's no free lunch, and no hopsital will pay you for nothing.

AVOID GPRs unless you really cant make it in the real world and want to invest one more year with the people who just treated you like trash for the last 4 years!!!!!

 

[rarm1]

Gprs and AEGDs are not for all as we mentioned. all are different. some have better pay and benefits than others... money is not the reason for taking them... it is education.

 

[canine2five]

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[rarm1]

For those trying to get a spot in a NYC gpr post-match, should letters of recommendation and all transcripts be collected by the applicant to send directly to the school? Or should I enroll in PASS and have all materials sent to PASS?
Thanks!

PASS will be more "offical", and faster, but for those in the post match rush.... have as much material together so you can call the programs and fax data immediately. If you have been in PASS.... then can follow.

Programs also get lists of students who did not match, and they will contact some students that they interviewed or those they all ready have info on.

Good luck to all in the match

 

[BiomajorPreDent]

Not to de-rail this, but what is the difference between an AEGD and a GPR?

 

[rarm1]

Not to de-rail this, but what is the difference between an AEGD and a GPR?

Both are accrediated by CODA, both give you advanced dental education....

THen there is a wide range but generaly a GPR is hospital based will give more medicallt compromised, OR cases, and have required rotations in Medicine and Anesthesia. An AEGD is often based in a community health center, or dental clinic. Less rotations more dentistry.
GPR more emergency care both dental and medical and afterhours and trauma. GPR often pay more,,,,,


best is to check programs, speak to residents, and visit very early to see what you may like. Often schools have residency fairs, or the Greater NY Meeting. Your faculty can help....

or call any time

 

[JulietMylaOwen]

I agree with above views

 

[start6030]

hello
thx for a nice info
i need to ask smthing, if u may help !

i am a post graduate student in oral and maxillofacial surgery , in india. we call it as MDS . if i have to settle down in USA , o i have to follow the same route as of DDS and so on... or , is there way out through residency programmes or alike?
kindly guide me
thx !

 

[rarm1]

hello
thx for a nice info
i need to ask smthing, if u may help !

i am a post graduate student in oral and maxillofacial surgery , in india. we call it as MDS . if i have to settle down in USA , o i have to follow the same route as of DDS and so on... or , is there way out through residency programmes or alike?
kindly guide me
thx !

each state has there own laws.... most require a degree from an AMer Dental Assoc CODA approved school or residency.... check with the state you want to be in..... for OMS .... many hospitals require Board certification.... you will need to check with the OMS boards on what you need

 

[missy88]

is this the link you were telling me to look for ?

 

[rarm1]

is this the link you were telling me to look for ?

yes... the long essay should answer many of your questions

 

[rarm1]

[this is a thread on residency programs...AEGD and GPR,

sorry for the spam

 

[allover]

VA hospital GPR is by far the best way to go! The only exception is if you have an interest in doing pedo which most new grads do not. If you're goal is to do private practice, you need to practice crown and bridge, endo, implants... and the VA is the only place where you'll get that experience. It's the only place where your Tx isn't limited by what patients can afford which in most other GPRs is nothing other than extractions and fillings. Best pay, best exposure to various procedures, able to take off for CE, and usually have specialists available for consultation.

endo is root canal stuff right? do general dentists do root canals?

 

[dental1234]

endo is root canal stuff right? do general dentists do root canals?

yes. Most "root canals" are done by general dentists actually.

 

[dental1234]

AVOID GPRs unless you really cant make it in the real world and want to invest one more year with the people who just treated you like trash for the last 4 years!!!!![/QUOTE?]

bitter any? How do you know if you never done one?

 

[rarm1]

AVOID GPRs unless you really cant make it in the real world and want to invest one more year with the people who just treated you like trash for the last 4 years!!!!![/QUOTE?]

bitter any? How do you know if you never done one?

each program is different, some are good, some are so-so,
while all directors try, some are excellent and unfortunately some are like dental school.

now is the time to make your final decisions and start applying... remember a resident is not for everyone. You have nothing to lose by applying and then not listing any in the match

good luck to all

 

[jcdragon13]

hello everyone, i have a q's about the matching system. i only applied 2 schools AEGD. so when it comes down to matching, i only put down these 2 schools right? if i didnt get any match of these 2 schools but if there is spots in other schools, can i try to go for it?
i also applied postdoctoral programs that dont requires matching. if i did get a match of AEGD but i decide not to go and go to other postdoctoral program, will i get a penalty? thank you!

 

[rarm1]

hello everyone, i have a q's about the matching system. i only applied 2 schools AEGD. so when it comes down to matching, i only put down these 2 schools right? if i didnt get any match of these 2 schools but if there is spots in other schools, can i try to go for it?
i also applied postdoctoral programs that dont requires matching. if i did get a match of AEGD but i decide not to go and go to other postdoctoral program, will i get a penalty? thank you!

With the match, you rank the match programs you interviewed with. If you don't get in, check with all the programs that have openings post match.

If you apply to a not match program, and accept, they will generally request you withdraw from the match to keep things fair and ethical. If you remain in the match, and decide you perfer a non-match program, that would be an ethical breach and you can be banned from match (in case you want an advaced program **** OMS, Peds, Ortho).

Any questions just call

 

[jasoncleark]

Yes it is an investment, but I feel can be economically justified. Yes, you'd be in a better position - and then what? A partner of one year in a better position after working for a year. The question is ... is the difference between the two, much better to justify $ 75,000 in lost revenue and another year of accumlation interest? Or maybe not even thought of dollars in clinical development in terms of where you are in year 1 ... Perhaps its value to examine how the two dentists in 5 years? The fact is that you are clinically, financially and emotionally for a long career. One year after graduation point is a kind of arbitrary point that we focus on a student ... it will come and go quickly.

 

[Mit Lu]

All great posts… How competitive is it to gain an acceptance into a GPR program? I’m sure it depends on the program, but in the past few years has there been an increase in applicants? I don’t want the monotony of doing the same type of procedures (assuming I were to specialize), and figure a GPR program will train me more adequately in a broader range of dentistry? Like the above posts mention, is it financially worth it in the long run? Anyone else care to give their opinion…?

 

[rarm1]

All great posts… How competitive is it to gain an acceptance into a GPR program? I’m sure it depends on the program, but in the past few years has there been an increase in applicants? I don’t want the monotony of doing the same type of procedures (assuming I were to specialize), and figure a GPR program will train me more adequately in a broader range of dentistry? Like the above posts mention, is it financially worth it in the long run? Anyone else care to give their opinion…?

As been mentioned, each problem is different and offer different oportunties and salary. Best to check them out between Jan and April when the residents were there for 1/2 a year

 

[joycelee]

An AEGD and GPR can office a recent dental grad much more experience outside that of dental school. With a GRP, you will get more dental surgery experience. With an AEGD, you will get more cosmetic dentistry experience.