Root Awakening: A Dentist’s GPR Detour

By Dr. Dakota Bailey, DDS 

The journey to specialize, in whatever specialty, should be after careful consideration and hands-on experience. I originally had planned to be a general dentist. I had grown up shadowing my general dentist practice and envisioned myself taking over his office after graduation. During dental school it became quite clear to me that specializing in endodontics was how I wanted to redirect my career path. This decision was made from excellent mentorship and my involvement with the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). 

As I got my application together to apply to endodontic residency, it was recommended to me that I take some time to work either in private practice or complete a General Practice Residency (GPR) to “strengthen my application” and to “get experience”. I’ll admit- I was frustrated. I felt ready. I had well surpassed the requirements for root canals needed to graduate and I was even chosen as a teaching assistant for the endodontics lab. Even so, after graduation I went to a General Practice Residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. 

While I was a resident, we were able to work closely with several endodontic practices and met for study clubs learning the newest and most innovative practices involving endodontic therapy. I taught myself how to operate using a microscope and routinely performed advanced endodontic procedures—cases that would have been impossible to take on during dental school. The clinical experience was invaluable, but what truly stood out was the importance of treatment planning. I cannot stress how critical a year of general practice is when becoming an endodontist. 

In school we learn the textbook definition about what “restorability” of a tooth is. In practice, understanding restorability is an entirely different concept- deep margins, soft tissue management, and what can realistically be restored. In school you learn the ideal presentation of a crown, restoration and extraction. Life is never so simple and rarely ever ideal. I learned what the restorative dentist will likely look for because I was the restorative dentist. 

After my year in Knoxville, I went back to West Virginia University for endodontic residency, where I had attended dental school. Now in my second year, I continue to build on the foundation laid during my GPR as well as the skills I gained in my first year of residency—managing complex cases, refining my efficiency under the microscope, and deepening my diagnostic ability. Since I had already become comfortable using the microscope for both root canals and restorative procedures, the transition into residency felt more natural. More importantly, I found that being able to communicate treatment expectations from both a specialist and general dentist’s perspective helped me foster stronger relationships with both patients and referring doctors. 

I wanted to share this experience because I had the mindset of many of the dental school graduates ready to immediately take the next step to specialize. An extra year to learn, gain confidence, and practical understanding has made me a better practitioner, and I encourage others considering specialization to explore the same path.