TLDR:
- Dental residency programs offer the opportunity to put skills into practice and deepen knowledge in different disciplines
- There are two types of dental residencies in Canada: Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) and General Practice Residency (GPR)
- Pursuing a dental residency can delay earning a dentist’s income for at least a year
- A dental residency can help boost earning potential and career opportunities down the road
Early-career dentists have many career paths available to them. One option after graduation is to pursue a dental residency. A residency may sharpen your skills, expand your career options and open doors to specialties. But it also comes with trade-offs, including a lower income in the short term and a possible delay in tackling student debt. Here’s how to weigh the financial side of this decision.
What does residency mean in dentistry?
A dental residency allows graduates to work with others in a professional learning environment. Dental residency programs are generally one year long, and though they are not mandatory, they can be a great way to sharpen your skills and knowledge base in different dental disciplines. Many experienced dentists and educators say a one-year residency is like having five years of experience in private practice. In the long run, a dental residency program may help you be successful throughout your career.
“With any type of schooling, you learn the technical skills and the theory, but putting it all together is what residency is really about,” explains Dr. Eleanor Weitzner, a former dental resident and now a clinical associate at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. She completed a one-year residency program at Sunnybrook before becoming a clinical associate in dentistry. “I think everyone should do it … it’s a fantastic mentorship opportunity.”
Types of dental residency programs
There are two types of dental residencies in Canada:
- Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD): Most often at a university clinic, these programs allow residents to perform more advanced and complex clinical procedures like periodontal and endodontic surgery. They can help give new dentists who are more inclined to work in private practice or graduate school an edge.
- General Practice Residency (GPR): Typically in a hospital-based setting, a GPR offers exposure to medically-compromised patients. There may be opportunities to rotate through specialties, including anesthesia and oral and maxillofacial surgery. A GPR will also help residents gain more experience in geriatrics or special needs.
In Canada, there are 15 residency programs. If you are interested in a dental residency, contact each program to see if they fall under the GPR, AEGD model, or a blend of both. You can search the Canadian Dental Association and the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada for accredited training programs in each province.
The financial trade-offs of doing a dental residency
Doing a dental residency is a great way to continue honing your clinical and interpersonal skills in a professional learning environment. However, there are financial impacts to consider.
For one, there’s the income gap. Skipping residency and moving straight into practice could mean earning $100K or more in that first year. And, with average dental student loans exceeding $200K, the lower residency salary could extend repayment timelines or increase interest costs. The cost of living is another factor, particularly since many residencies are located in urban centers, where housing and living expenses are high.
Keep in mind, residency-trained dentists often secure better positions or higher-paying specialties down the road. If you’re weighing the decision, it may be worth running a break-even analysis to estimate how many years it would take for residency benefits to outweigh the lost income.
Are dental residencies paid?
Dental residencies tend to be paid, which can be another advantage when pursuing a fifth year of advanced education. However, there is a significant variation in salaries across Canada.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, in Western Canada, the salary can be as high as $50K, whereas in Quebec, the salaries are lower, at around $15K. Other programs in other provinces pay residents approximately $30K. It’s worth exploring the various programs to get an accurate idea of compensation.
Can residency improve your earning potential?
Residency isn’t mandatory for specialties, but it can be a competitive edge. Exposure to more advanced procedures and hospital rotations shows your commitment. “It shows you put in the extra year and the hard work and want to learn,” says Dr. Weitzner. “The extra year can also expose you to whatever specialty you want to apply to.”
Residents also get a lot of face-to-face experience in treatment planning and discussing treatment with patients, which can be more challenging than dental school. Residents often complete their residencies feeling more well-rounded and confident as clinicians.
So, while residency doesn’t guarantee higher earning potential, the experience can allow you to take on more complex cases, which typically command higher fees. Some practice owners also prefer hiring residency-trained associates, which could lead to steadier employment throughout your career.
Beyond the paycheque: Other advantages of dental residency
The benefits of residency aren’t purely financial. The mentorship, networking and confidence-building gained during residency can all contribute to becoming a more well-rounded dentist. “Residency made me a much better dentist because it incorporated the technical skills I learned in school, but I also learned how to implement them for the total patient,” explains Dr. Weitzner.
How to make the most of your residency – financially and professionally
- Plan ahead: If you’re considering residency, start planning for it in advance so you’re financially prepared for it.
- Research stipends: Compensation can differ greatly across provinces. Understanding what’s realistic in your chosen location can help you plan.
- Manage debt strategically: Can you defer student loan repayments during residency? Can you leverage borrowing options available for residents? What other financial assistance might help you manage your debt during this time?
- Maximize your experience: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. “Make the most out of your residency experience. Delve fully into it, get to know everyone on staff, start following every specialty and absorb as much knowledge as possible,” says Dr. Weitzner, adding that this is the time where you make mistakes and learn how to improve from them.
What typically happens after completing a residency?
Dr. Weitzner notes that about half of residents go into general practice, while the other half apply to specialty programs.
Finding full-time employment after graduation or completing a residency can be difficult for some. Many newly graduated dentists will likely hold two or more associate positions to equal full-time hours.
However, residency-trained dentists may have an advantage when looking for an associateship position. In financial terms, residency can be seen as a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain.
If you’re weighing the decision of whether or not to pursue a dental residency, consider both the professional and financial realities. Crunch the numbers, talk to past residents and align your decision with the goals you have for your career.
To learn more about choosing a dental residency and for answers to other frequently asked questions, visit the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) website.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
