Resident Spotlight: Caroline Kearney, DMD
Compiled by Shiv Patel
Dr. Caroline Kearney is currently in her second year as an endodontic resident at University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Fourth-year dental student Shiv Patel recently caught up with her to learn more about her journey to endo and future goals.
The Paper Point: Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview and sharing your journey with us, Caroline. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Caroline Kearney: Thank you for the invite! I grew up in Northern New Jersey, but have been in Pennsylvania for all of my post-high school education. I attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA and then moved to Philadelphia for dental school at the University of Pennsylvania. I completed a general practice residency in Bethlehem, PA at St. Luke’s University Health Network. After my GPR, my fiancé and I moved to Pittsburgh, PA to start my endodontics residency.
The Paper Point: Why did you choose dentistry?
Dr. Kearney: Like many others, I was originally thinking I would go to medical school. In college, I shadowed a few doctors in different specialties at Lancaster General Hospital. When my dentist back home asked what my future plans were, I told him I wanted to go to medical school. He told me I should look into dentistry and convinced me to shadow him. I enjoyed the time I spent at his office. I liked that this career path allows you to work with your hands every day and have an immediate, direct impact on the patients that come to see you.
The Paper Point: Did you always know that you wanted to become an endodontist or what led you to specialize?
Dr. Kearney: No, I went into dental school thinking I would be a general dentist (I wasn’t too interested in more school at that point!). I first became intrigued by endodontics through exposure to the specialty in my didactic and lab courses in dental school. I decided to explore that interest by spending time in the endodontic clinic and the resident seminar at Penn, speaking to the endo residents, joining the AAE and attending the annual conference in Phoenix in 2022. The further I pursued this interest, the clearer it became that this was the right career path for me. I’m so thankful for the mentors I’ve had through my dental school years to help foster my interest, and for the faculty at Pitt who have allowed me the opportunity to pursue this path.
The Paper Point: What do you most enjoy about endodontics?
Dr. Kearney: There is so much I love about endodontics! Aside from having a direct impact on the patient getting them out of pain, I love that the procedure is very systematic, yet each case is unique and presents its own challenges. Overall, I am taking similar steps to achieve an outcome, but I may use, for example, a different file system or irrigation technique for a specific case depending on the anatomy of the tooth. I also love using a microscope! I see so much more than when I used my loupes in dental school and GPR.
The Paper Point: What has been the best memory of your residency thus far?
Dr. Kearney: My favorite memories from residency are from the AAE conference in Los Angeles last spring. It’s great to spend time with people who share your passion and to hear from endodontists from around the world. I loved getting to reconnect with people from dental school and to meet new people! I am looking forward to the AAE in Boston coming up in a few months!
The Paper Point: So tell us, in between the busyness of residency, what do you enjoy doing with your free time? Any hobbies?
Dr. Kearney: I moved to Pittsburgh for residency, and I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to explore the city and the surrounding areas. I also enjoy taking weekend trips home to see my family. I have a two-year-old niece that I love spending time with. Aside from that, I’m getting married in July, so most of my spare time has been dedicated to wedding planning.
The Paper Point: What else helps you wind down after a long week?
Dr. Kearney: I would consider myself a foodie, so after a long week, I love going out to eat. I keep a running list of restaurants I want to try and always love trying a new one! I love Italian food and two of my favorites in Pittsburgh so far have been D’Anoia’s and Alta Via.
The Paper Point: As you go into your final year of residency, it’s impossible not to think about the future and life after residency. What is next for you?
Dr. Kearney: It is hard to believe I only have six more months of residency! I’m currently planning my next steps and look forward to starting my career in private practice.
The Paper Point: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Dr. Kearney: That seems like such a long time away! In 15 years, potentially sooner, I envision myself being established in my career and ready to take on more. I’ve been so grateful for all of the mentors that have provided advice and guidance in my dental career. I’d like to find a way to pay it forward to the next generation, whether that’s through being part-time instructor at an endodontics program or in some other manner.
The Paper Point: Any final piece of advice for readers?
Dr. Kearney: Take advantage of all the opportunities and technologies in your residency. It has also been great to work with and learn from all the faculty at Pitt as everyone has their own techniques. A two year program may seem long, but it goes by in the blink of an eye!