Paper Point Editorial – May 2026
By Priscilla L. Carpenter, DDS, MS
As the academic year begins to wind down, many residents find themselves in a unique season of transition. Graduation is approaching, interviews and contracts are becoming reality, and the title of “resident” will soon shift to “endodontist.” It is exciting, humbling, and, at times, overwhelming.
For current residents and new practitioners alike, this period serves as an important reminder that growth in endodontics does not stop at graduation. In many ways, it is only the beginning. The past years have been filled with long clinic days, challenging cases, countless radiographs, late nights studying literature, and moments of self-doubt balanced by moments of incredible accomplishment. Residency has refined not only our clinical skills, but also our judgment, resilience, and confidence.
As you prepare to take the next step into practice, academia, military service, or other opportunities, it is important to recognize that none of us arrived here alone. Mentorship, collaboration, and organized dentistry have shaped our journey in ways we may not fully appreciate until later in our careers. One of the greatest strengths of endodontics is the willingness of those within our specialty to teach, encourage, and support one another. That sense of community does not end with residency graduation; rather, it becomes even more important as we transition into independent practice.
For new practitioners, there can often be pressure to feel as though you must immediately have every answer, every system perfected, and every procedure mastered. The reality is that excellence in endodontics is built over time through continued learning, humility, and consistency. Every challenging case becomes an opportunity for growth. Every mentor conversation becomes a lesson. Every patient interaction reinforces the trust and responsibility we carry as specialists.
As residents, you also have a responsibility to remain engaged within the specialty beyond your individual programs. Opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in endodontics are invaluable, particularly early in our careers. These experiences strengthen professional relationships, encourage collaboration, and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
With that in mind, we encourage residents and new practitioners to attend APICES this August 14–15 in St. Louis. APICES continues to provide an outstanding opportunity to connect with fellow residents, recent graduates, faculty, and leaders within the specialty. Beyond the educational programming, meetings like APICES foster mentorship, professional development, and lifelong friendships that often shape careers in meaningful ways. Be on the lookout for information via email on how to sign up to join us!
As this academic year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on how far you have come. The difficult cases, the setbacks, the victories, and the long hours have all contributed to the clinician you are becoming. Graduation is not the finish line; it is the start of a new chapter. Endodontics needs passionate, thoughtful, and engaged young professionals, and the future of the specialty is brighter because of the individuals entering it today.
Congratulations to the graduating residents and encouragement to those continuing their training. The work you are doing matters, and your future within this specialty is full of opportunity.
Warm Regards,
Priscilla L. Carpenter, D.D.S., M.S.
Resident and New Practitioner Committee Chair