The major distinction between the AEGD and GPR programs is that the AEGD program places an emphasis on clinical dentistry, while GPR programs place their focus on medical management of complex patients. Otherwise, many of the programs will seemingly overlap in practice, and further inquiry would be needed.
Why pursue an AEGD?
Many dental students feel unprepared to start practicing right after dental school and others would like formal training in complicated patient cases. Great experience and enhanced learning are the top two reasons why students apply to an AEGD. When you graduate, you want good clinical experience where they allow you to do a lot of procedures and offer mentorship. A lot of people, when they graduate, usually have to compromise on one or both of these. You can go to a private practice and perhaps make some more money, but you may start off doing more dental cleanings and low risk procedure. Also, a lot of private practices ask for someone to have 2-5 years of experience or a GPR/AEGD prior to hiring an applicant. With an AEGD, you get much more experience with complicated patients and treatment plans. It is for someone who likes the sheltered learning where you can explore more complex procedures such as implants, third molar extractions, second molar root canals, and oral surgery. If you went straight into private practice, most of the time you just have to accept that you're not going to end up doing them because you never got clinical experience while in school. UOP's clinical experience is one of the best in the nation, but there is always more to learn.
What are the challenges faced in an AEGD?
Something to consider is the lower payment one may earn in a AEGD compared to working with corporate or as an associate dentist in private practice. The stipend that you will receive in a AEGD usually only covers the cost of living, and may not be the best route if you wish to pay off student loans quickly. It is also prudent to really research and visit the programs you are interested in, because your experience can be dependent on the program director.
What makes a competitive applicant?
Most applicants stated grades, rank, and great letters of recommendation are necessary for a competitive applicant. However, being involved in clubs, volunteering events, as well as other extracurriculars is important to put on an application. It is important to realize that each program values different aspect of the application. For example, some may value rank/grades more, while others value leadership or clinical experience.
What students wish they knew before applying:
Types of procedures, day in the life, information about the didactic aspect, size of the clinic and staff, number of other residents, how patients find the clinic and pay for treatment, how scheduling is done, amount of collaboration with peers and other dentists, patient population and distribution among residents, treatment planning autonomy, requirements to complete the program
What students wish they knew before interviewing:
Always look up a particular program so you have some specific information on the program for the interview. Have answers to generic questions rehearsed in your mind. Try to be as personable as possible because they are looking more for your personality than your resume at the interview.
Advice from the Department chair:
It is always best to go to the residency clinic and see for yourself if this is something you want to do. You could call the program director and ask if you could spend the day in the clinic. Talk to the current residences and you can ask them questions about their residency programs.