Resident Spotlight: Dr. Stephanie Sawyer
Compiled by Dr. Austyn Grissom
Dr. Stephanie Sawyer is in her second year of endodontics residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In this Resident Spotlight, Dr. Sawyer shares more with us about her journey to endodontics, her commitment to personal wellness, and what is on the horizon for her future after residency.
The Paper Point: Thanks for taking time to chat, Dr. Sawyer. Let’s start by telling everyone a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Sawyer: I’m currently a second-year endodontic resident at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I’m originally from Long Island, New York, but Alabama has truly become a second home over the past several years. Outside of dentistry, I love staying active, trying new restaurants, traveling, and cooking with my husband—who is a prosthodontist. I’m very passionate about maintaining balance between my professional goals and personal wellness, which has been especially important during residency.
The Paper Point: What first sparked your interest in becoming a dentist, and later, endodontist?
Dr. Sawyer: My interest in dentistry started with my appreciation for the combination of medicine, problem-solving, and hands-on procedures. As I progressed through dental school and later through my AEGD and time in private practice, I found myself drawn to complex cases and diagnosing the “why” behind a patient’s pain. Endodontics stood out because it blends critical thinking, precision, and the ability to provide immediate relief to patients who are often in significant discomfort. That ability to make a meaningful impact in a short amount of time ultimately solidified my decision to pursue endodontics.
The Paper Point: For any of our readers in dental school who are on the fence between practicing after graduation versus pursuing endo residency right out of school: how did that time you spent in your AEGD and then private practice as a general dentist influence the way that you approach life as an endodontic resident?
Dr. Sawyer: Spending time in an AEGD and then in private practice was incredibly valuable for me. It helped me build confidence, efficiency, and strong communication skills before entering residency. I gained a deeper understanding of what general dentists need from specialists, which has really shaped how I approach referrals and case planning. It also gave me perspective—I came into residency more focused, intentional, and appreciative of the opportunity to specialize. I truly believe that those experiences made me a better resident and will ultimately make me a better endodontist.
The Paper Point: Will you be presenting any of your research at AAE26 in Salt Lake City?
Dr. Sawyer: Yes, I will be presenting at AAE26 in Salt Lake City. During residency, I have been primarily involved in one main research project evaluating the antimicrobial properties of oregano oil. While we are still awaiting the finalized qPCR data for that study, I will be presenting a table clinic focused on the relationship between medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and endodontic procedures, including both surgical and nonsurgical treatment considerations. I’m looking forward to discussing clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and how endodontic therapy can play an important role in the management of these complex patients.
The Paper Point: I know that you are very intentional about your fitness and wellness routine even during this busy season. Tell us about what you do to stay active, and any tips you might have for the rest of us who are already slacking off our New Years Resolutions?
Dr. Sawyer: Staying active is a big priority for me, especially during stressful seasons. I try to keep things realistic and flexible—whether that’s a spin class, a run, a walk, a hike, or a quick HIIT workout. My biggest tip is not aiming for perfection. Even 20–30 minutes counts. I also remind myself that movement is something I get to do, not something I have to do. Giving yourself grace and building consistency over intensity makes a huge difference long term.
The Paper Point: One of the things that I miss most about Birmingham, AL is the food scene! If someone reading this happens to be passing through Birmingham, AL for the day- give us a recommendation for: a place to grab breakfast, a lunch spot, and your favorite dinner restaurant.
Dr. Sawyer: Birmingham truly has an amazing food scene and is one of the things I’ll miss most. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with Hero Doughnuts or O’Henry’s. For lunch, I love Real and Rosemary or El Barrio—both are must-stops and never disappoint. Dinner is where Birmingham really shines, and some of my absolute favorites are Helen, Galley and Garden, and Current Charcoal Grill. And to finish the night, the cocktail scene is just as good—Key Circle Commons and Adios are hands-down my favorite spots.
The Paper Point: When you and your husband cook together, do you guys have a favorite dish that you make?
Dr. Sawyer: We love cooking together and enjoy experimenting with all different kinds of cuisine—from Mediterranean dishes to Thai food. One of our absolute favorites to make at home is Jet Tila’s green curry. It’s a recipe we keep coming back to and always feels like a fun night in the kitchen together.
The Paper Point: Once you complete your residency training this June, what’s next for you?
Dr. Sawyer: After graduation, my husband and I are planning a trip to Northern Italy to celebrate the completion of residency and this chapter of our lives. Following that, we’ll be relocating to the DMV area, where I’ll be joining a prosthodontic and endodontic specialty practice, Prostho.Endo.Dental Group. It’s a unique opportunity to work alongside a husband-and-wife prosthodontic/endodontic team, which makes it especially exciting for both of us.
The Paper Point: That’s awesome! You both deserve an amazing trip to celebrate each of your accomplishments, and I know that y’all are going to have a great time in Italy. Before we part, what is one piece of advice or motivational quote that has inspired you to keep going on the tough days?
Dr. Sawyer: One quote that has always stuck with me is: “You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going.” Residency can be challenging, but remembering why you started and trusting the process makes all the difference.
Dr. Austyn Grissom is former chair of the AAE’s Resident and New Practitioner Committee.