Choosing a Residency
A residency is a structured postgraduate training program that allows new dentists to continue developing their clinical, professional, and interpersonal skills in a supervised learning environment. Residents provide patient care while working closely with experienced clinicians and treating a broad range of patients.
Most residency programs are one year in length, although some offer opportunities for additional training.
Whether a residency is the right next step depends on your interests, career goals, and individual circumstances.
What is a residency program?
A residency is a structured postgraduate training program that allows newly graduated dentists to build on the knowledge and skills gained in dental school. Residents provide patient care while working closely with experienced clinicians in a supportive learning environment.
Most residency programs are one year in length, although some offer opportunities for additional training.
Residencies can help dentists strengthen their clinical decision-making, patient management, communication, and teamwork while gaining experience treating a broader range of patients and conditions.
What types of residency programs are available?
In Canada, there are two primary types of general residency programs:
General Practice Residency (GPR)
General Practice Residency (GPR) programs are typically based in hospitals and often provide experience treating medically complex patients. Depending on the program, residents may also work alongside specialists and other health care professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs are often based in university clinics and emphasize advanced clinical procedures and comprehensive patient care. These programs may appeal to dentists interested in expanding their clinical skills before entering private practice or pursuing specialty training.
The distinction between GPR and AEGD programs has become less defined over time. Some AEGD programs are hospital-based, while some universities offer GPR programs. Rather than focusing only on the program title, consider the learning opportunities, clinical experience, and mentorship each program provides.
The distinction between GPR and AEGD programs has become less defined over time. Rather than focusing only on the program title, consider the clinical experience, mentorship, and learning opportunities each program provides.
Is a residency worth it?
There is no single answer. For some dentists, entering practice immediately is the right choice. Others choose a residency to gain additional clinical experience, develop confidence, and explore different areas of dentistry before beginning independent practice.
Your decision may be influenced by factors such as your career goals, financial circumstances, and preferred learning environment.
Do residents receive a salary?
Most residency programs in Canada provide residents with a salary or stipend, although compensation varies by program. If compensation is an important factor in your decision, review the details of each program before applying.
What are the benefits of completing a residency?
A residency allows you to strengthen your clinical skills while gaining confidence in patient management, treatment planning, and working as part of an interdisciplinary health care team.
Depending on the program, you may also gain experience treating medically complex patients, performing more advanced procedures, and collaborating with specialists and other health professionals. The experience you gain will depend on both the program you choose and your willingness to take advantage of the learning opportunities available.
Applying to a Residency
What are residency programs looking for?
Strong academic performance is important, but residency programs also look for applicants who demonstrate initiative, professionalism, curiosity, and a genuine interest in learning.
Whenever possible, visit the programs you're considering, attend open houses, and speak with current or former residents. Learning about the program's culture, clinical experience, and expectations can help you determine whether it is the right fit. Speaking with current or former residents, attending open houses, or visiting a program can help you determine whether it is the right fit.
How do I apply?
Application processes vary by program and country.
In Canada, residency programs are offered through accredited institutions and universities. In the United States, many programs participate in centralized application and matching services. Review the requirements for each program carefully and be aware of application deadlines, interviews, and any additional documentation that may be required.
Are residents paid?
Most residency programs in Canada provide residents with a salary or stipend, although compensation varies by program. If compensation is an important consideration, review the details of each program before applying.
Choosing the Right Program
What should I look for in a residency program?
Every residency program has its own strengths. As you compare programs, consider:
the types of patients and procedures you'll see
the amount of clinical experience available
the level of supervision and mentorship
opportunities to work with specialists
hospital rotations or interdisciplinary learning
the overall culture and learning environment
Whenever possible, speak with current or former residents to learn about their experiences.
How competitive are residency programs?
Residency programs are competitive, and admission requirements vary by program. Strong academic performance is important, but programs also consider professionalism, communication skills, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to learning.
Should I complete a residency before applying to a specialty program?
Although a residency is not required for specialty training, many dentists find that it helps them strengthen their clinical skills, broaden their experience, and build confidence before pursuing additional education. Whether it is the right choice depends on your individual goals.
Is it difficult to find employment after graduation?
Employment opportunities vary across Canada. Many new graduates find positions relatively quickly, although opportunities, mentorship, and patient volumes may differ depending on the community and practice setting. Many dentists find that a residency helps strengthen their experience and confidence as they begin their careers.
Life During Residency
What can I expect during a residency?
Residency programs combine clinical practice with ongoing learning. Depending on the program, residents may be:
treating a wide variety of patients
participating in hospital or specialty rotations
managing emergency or on-call responsibilities
attending seminars, journal clubs, or case discussions
working alongside specialists and other health professionals
Every program is different, so ask about the balance between clinical care, teaching, and on-call responsibilities during the interview process.
Will I receive mentorship?
Yes. Mentorship is one of the greatest benefits of residency training. Residents work closely with experienced clinicians who provide guidance, feedback, and support as clinical skills develop. Many programs also offer opportunities to learn from specialists across a variety of disciplines.
Considering a U.S. Residency
Many Canadian graduates choose to complete a residency in the United States.
Application processes, licensure requirements, visa requirements, and eligibility criteria vary by program and by state. If you're considering a U.S. residency, review each program's admission requirements carefully and confirm any licensing or immigration requirements before applying.
Is a Residency Right for Me?
There is no single answer. For some dentists, entering private practice immediately after graduation is the right choice. Others choose a residency to gain additional experience, develop confidence, and expand their clinical skills before beginning independent practice or pursuing specialty training.
The right decision depends on your career goals, financial circumstances, learning preferences, and the type of dentistry you hope to practise. Taking time to research programs and speak with current or former residents can help you determine which path is the best fit for you.