Choosing a Dental Residency? Answers to 5 FAQs

Some new graduates may choose to forgo a dental residency and immediately start their own general dentistry practice, join an existing practice, or practice as a dentist in some other way. However, according to the ADA’s 2023/2024 Survey of Advanced Education, 54% of graduates decide to continue their training in a postdoctoral residency program in one of nearly 800 residency programs in the U.S.

Understanding what to consider when comparing residencies may help you choose the right program without being overwhelmed by the options. Explore the following considerations and strive to be proactive, curious, and thorough in your research.

Dental Residency Program Types

Before you choose a residency, you will want to identify your specialty or concentration, if any, as a dental professional. In a residency program, your training may be very specific to a certain type of dentistry. U.S. dental residencies are divided among 12 different programs recognized by the ADA and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). 

A good starting point for learning about dental specialties is through dental associations; in fact, many dentists become and remain members throughout their careers.

Here is a list of the 12 dental specialty programs and their associated associations:

• Dental Anesthesiology, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists
• Dental Public Health, American Association of Public Health Dentistry
• Endodontics, American Association of Endodontists
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Oral Medicine, American Academy of Oral Medicine
• Orofacial Pain, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, American Association of Orthodontists
• Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics, American Academy of Periodontology
• Prosthodontics, American College of Prosthodontists

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Residency Programs

1. What Do Dental Residencies Cost?

Residency program costs may vary greatly, especially between public and private institutions. While some programs provide students with an annual stipend covering tuition and beyond, others may cost nearly $100,000 per year. 

Affordability may be a major consideration for residency candidates, especially considering the years of expensive education that precede this step. If you choose to enter a residency program, it is important to avoid money mistakes, proactively manage student loan debt, and create a financial foundation for your future. 

If you’re specifically interested in a paid residency, salary websites such as Salary.com may provide you with the average salary of dental residents in the programs you’re researching, with many residencies ranging between $58,000 and $78,000 per year.

2. How Long Is a Dental Residency?

Dental specialties typically require a two to four-year residency, while some general practice programs last between six months and two years. For an advanced dental specialty, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery residencies may be as long as six years of training.

After what is typically eight years of undergraduate and doctoral education, the duration of a postdoctoral program may be a big consideration. As such, not everyone chooses to begin a residency program immediately following eight years of full-time undergraduate and dental school education. Some may choose to follow a different career path and postpone a residency program for a few years in an effort to make the right choice for their career and family or even due to the highly competitive application process of certain specialty programs.

3. Does the Program Confer a Degree or Certificate?

Not all dental residency programs offer the same academic credentials upon completion. In fact, these may range widely, from certificates to master degrees in the specialty of the residency. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency programs may be four to six years, with the latter awarding an MD.

4. Are Residencies Required for Dental Specialties?

The specialty training and certifications earned in dental residencies may add prestige, earning potential, and layers of valuable specialty services to your practice. 

The value of a residency program may depend greatly on the type of dentistry services you’re most interested in providing. Postdoctoral surgical residencies, for example, may be a necessity for hands-on training in the highly technical skills you’ll need to practice and succeed in that specialized field.

5. What Is the Lifestyle Of a Dental Resident?

After so many years of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, you may want to carefully consider what life will be like during your post-doctorate program. From residency programs with an intense training schedule to a more relaxed mentoring environment, you may have a wide range of options. Think about your stage in life and what type of structure or options appeal most to you, then do your homework.

For example, consider what you’ll want in family lodging options, childcare, lodging options and affordability, clinical experiences, clinical responsibilities, relocation assistance, on-call requirements, work-life balance, and more.

Instead of relying solely on online research or even phone calls, consider shadowing a practicing graduate of the program you’re interested in. Another option is to complete an externship alongside a current dental resident, spending up to a week exploring the program without any obligation to commit.

Choosing the Right Dental Residency Program

Postdoctoral residency programs may be just as competitive as dental school itself, requiring extreme levels of both effort and excellence from candidates. Choose your residency program with confidence, knowing you weighed the most important factors in making the right decision for your specific career goals and lifestyle.

Beyond a residency, not every decision you’ll face will be clear-cut or simple. You are still facing an important question. What happens next?

To guide you through some of the most important answers, we’ve created a complimentary Post-Dental School Survival Guide. In this guide, you’ll learn about decisions you’re facing, skills you may still need, insurance and financial considerations, career success, and more. 

Download your complimentary guide today. 

About Treloar & Heisel

Treloar & Heisel, an EPIC Company, is a premier financial services provider to dental and medical professionals across the country. We assist thousands of clients from residency to practice and through retirement with a comprehensive suite of financial services, custom-tailored advice, and a strong national network focused on delivering the highest level of service.

Insurance products offered through Treloar & Heisel, LLC.