Dear Endodontic Residents and New Practitioners,
By Priscilla L. Carpenter, DDS, MS
It’s a joy to kick off the year with you all as Chair of the Resident and New Practitioner Committee (RNPC) for the AAE! As I step into my third year on this committee, I can genuinely say it’s been one of the most fulfilling parts of my professional journey so far. Getting to serve you—the future of endodontics—is an honor, a privilege, and a whole lot of fun.
For those I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’m Priscilla L. Carpenter, an endodontist practicing in Charlotte, N.C. I completed dental school at Howard University College of Dentistry (Class of 2021) and wrapped up my residency at the University of Florida in 2023 (GOOOO GATORS!!!).
I’m a proud Charlotte native and the middle child of six—yes, six! Growing up in a big, close-knit family taught me the value of community, resilience, and always showing up for one another. I’ve carried those values with me into dentistry, and will continue to carry them as I matriculate into this role.
Outside the operatory, you’ll usually find me trying out new recipes, planning my next travel adventure, or enjoying the chaos and joy of life with my husband, our daughter, our pups, and our amazing circle of family and friends.
As spring blooms around us, so does the excitement (and maybe a little bit of stress) of what’s ahead—graduation season! To our second- and third-year graduating residents: this is your moment. Between studying for written boards, preparing for mock orals, job hunting, and maybe even gearing up for a big move, it can feel like a whirlwind. But take a breath, and remember: “keep your eyes on the prize, not the process.” You’ve made it this far and you’re almost there!
To our first- and second-years: your time is coming, and this season is about building. Dive deep into the clinical and academic challenges. Ask questions. Learn from your faculty, your mentors, and each other. These moments will shape the kind of endodontist you’ll become.
If you’re anything like me, you like to plan—and plan well. But what I’ve learned as I step into this role is that the most meaningful parts of this journey can’t be scheduled. Yes, the RNPC is here to manage key communications and events like The Paper Point, APICES, and the AAE Career Fair, to name a few—but above all, we’re here for you.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice, exploring a future in academia, weighing a job offer, looking for mentorship, or simply interested in getting more involved with the AAE — we’re here to help guide and support you along the way. Whatever you’re working through, our committee is just an email away. We want to be your sounding board, your support system, and your biggest cheerleaders.
Mark your calendars: APICES 2025 is happening in New Orleans, August 15–16, and we’ve got an amazing schedule in the works. Resident registration opens in July—so stay tuned, and come ready for learning, connection, and a little bit of fun (okay, a lot of fun—it’s New Orleans, after all!).
In closing, I’ll leave you with this:
Your journey in endodontics is uniquely yours. Own it. Celebrate it. And never forget that you’re part of a community that believes in you every step of the way. We’re in this together—and the best is yet to come.
With gratitude and excitement,
Priscilla L. Carpenter, DDS, MS
Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
Chair, Resident and New Practitioner Committee