Editorial for July

By Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter

As we welcome August, I want to take a moment to offer a huge congratulations to the incredible Class of 2025! You’ve done it. All the long nights, early mornings, tough cases, and moments of doubt have brought you here. Take a deep breath, you earned this.

Right now, it’s so important to really soak it in. This is more than just the end of a chapter, it’s the beginning of everything that’s next. Whether you’re planning to move, start your new position, or simply take a well-deserved break, remember: now is the time to celebrate. Take a trip. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Spend time with the people who helped get you here. When I graduated, I took a few months to travel, recharge, and settle into my next adventure. It was exactly what I needed, and I hope you give yourself permission to do the same.

For those of you have just entered your next (or first!) year of residency: enjoy every second. I know it can feel like the days are long, but trust me, the years are short. Each case, each lecture, each breakthrough is shaping you into the clinician you are becoming. Don’t rush it, relish it.

And as you look ahead, mark your calendars for APICES, coming up August 15-16 in New Orleans! This is your meeting: built for residents, by the RNPC, and it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. Your time is now.

See you in NOLA!

Priscilla L. Carpenter, DDS, MS
Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
Chair, Resident and New Practitioner Committee