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 a GPR?
There are many reasons why dental students choose to do a GPR, but one of the top reasons is a quality clinical experience under a short period of time. Some say that a year of GPR/AEGD experience would be equivalent to 2-3 years in private practice when first starting off. Many applicants chose GPR in particular because of the opportunity to work in a hospital-based setting or in a VA-based clinic. The advantage of a VA-based clinic is that most, if not all, of the patients finances is covered by the government, so patients usually do not have a problem with accepting an ideal treatment plan. Other dental students simply want to pick up their speed and confidence before working in private practice.
What are the challenges faced in a GPR?
The most common concern in doing a GPR is the long hours and on-call schedule that some programs have. Some programs start as early as 5 am, although this will vary. Another thing to consider is the lower payment one may earn in a GPR compared to working with corporate or as an associate dentist in private practice. The stipend that you will receive in a GPR 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:
Since UOP is an accelerated dental program, most students felt they did not have much clinical experience by the end of second year and were unsure whether they would be ready to practice right after graduation. However, once they finished their third year of dental school, most applicants felt they were competent enough to start working right away. Many dental student say they do more work within the first quarter of their third year then they did all of second year. With that said, many applicants stated that they knew that there was still a lot more to learn and that a GPR program can help accelerate that learning process.
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.
What resources were helpful?
It's difficult to truly do research on programs because there are so many out there and they all sound the same on the websites. The best ways to learn about programs are through word of mouth. You can do research through the website portal (http://programpages.passweb.org/search) and go to each program's website individually. Many applicants used a combination of that plus asking people who were at the program or had gone through it. Many applicants' research consisted of looking at the past 4-5 years of graduation and seeing where people had gone in the past then doing more research on programs that sounded intriguing.
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. You could also talk to the current residences and ask them questions about their residency programs.