This post was originally published in 2018 on a blog called OneLooseTooh. It has been moved here as an archived post for your reading. Note, that since 2018 my opinions regarding the need for an AEGD or GRP have changed. Most dental schools are not providing enough experience to forgo the residency experience in 2024.
In my last post, I wrote about how to find a good dental residency. However, some young readers may be contemplating if they should attend a dental residency at all.
For those who have been reading this blog for a while, this post may contradict some of my previous writings. I am still bullish on AEGDs and GPRs and think that they probably pay off in the long run. However, I think a big assumption made by those choosing to pursue an AEGD or GPR is that they will complete the program and enter into a private practice similar to the one they went to while aspiring to be a dentist. This is often not the case as the vast majority of graduates seem to enter into corporate or associate-run offices even after completing a residency.
I think a question worth asking is would you rather graduate and go into a corporate job or complete a residency and then take that same corporate job?
No doubt that an extra year dedicated to learning will have an impact on the student. In most cases that is a positive impact, but it is often intangible and discounts the development that takes place from just working – either on your own or with some indirect supervision.
For the most part, those I know who did a residency took the same type of job I got when I graduated (something to think about).
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