By Kevin W. Yu, DMD, MS

“Ready in room 5!”

I check the schedule for a third time. I know what I’m doing… right? I start making my way down the hall toward the operatory, lingering in the doorway for a moment before stepping inside.

That was my first day seeing patients as a newly minted dentist. Several years have passed since then, and I now recognize that my time as a general dentist not only developed my ability to deliver comprehensive care, but also taught me how to communicate effectively with patients, how to navigate the chaos of everyday clinical practice, and how to advocate for patients and the profession. As I reflect on my early clinical experiences, I can clearly see how much my clinical skills have improved. More importantly, I can see how general dentistry shaped a more well-rounded understanding of what it means to be a healthcare provider, a sentiment I carried with me into residency.

One of the earliest lessons I learned as a general dentist was that patients rarely present with just a dental issue. Patients came not only for routine cleanings or urgent extractions but often brought with them expectations, anxieties, financial concerns, and complex medical and dental histories. Learning to see the bigger picture beyond just the tooth helped me provide more strategically planned and thoughtfully executed care. This perspective stayed with me throughout residency, where the nature of endodontics can make it easy to focus narrowly on a single tooth. Our CBCT scans are often limited to only capturing a few teeth, and our operating microscopes offer such high magnification that our field of view may be reduced to just a few millimeters. Despite this microscopic focus, my general dentistry background helped me maintain a wider clinical lens. I routinely considered how each case fit into the patient’s overall restorative plan, whether the treated tooth needed an immediate restoration or could tolerate a brief delay, and how the long-term prognosis of that specific tooth aligned with the health and function of the rest of the dentition and the patient as a whole. This mindset allowed me to anticipate restorative challenges, collaborate more easily with referring providers, and build trust with patients by connecting endodontic treatment to their overall oral health goals.

But seeing the bigger picture defined more than just the treatment plan, it also deepened my appreciation for the emotional toll dental treatment can bring to patients. In particular, I saw how root canal therapy often triggered feelings of anxiety and fear in patients, fueled by previous traumatic experiences, horror stories shared by family or friends, or negative portrayals seen in the media. While some patients preferred not to hear the details, many wanted to understand what the treatment involves, why it was necessary, and whether they were making the right decision regarding their treatment. My time in general dentistry prepared me for the nuanced, patient-centered communication required in daily practice. General dentists are often the first to see a patient in a dental emergency and with that comes the responsibility of delivering difficult news, explaining the diagnosis, presenting treatment options, and translating radiographic or clinical findings from dental jargon into terms patients could easily understand. Over time, I learned how to assess a patient’s dental literacy level, emotional state, priorities, and expectations in order to communicate more effectively. Whether I was explaining procedural steps and risks or providing reassurance during treatment, these skills helped me build rapport and manage expectations. Ultimately, this foundation in communication reduced patient anxiety, streamlined procedures, and improved the overall patient experience.

Just as strong communication helped me navigate difficult conversations and procedures, a commitment to learning became vital as I encountered more and more complicated clinical situations. While practicing as a general dentist, I quickly realized that although dental school had provided the fundamentals, it was my responsibility to build on that knowledge in order to respond confidently to whatever situation walked in the door. This sparked a commitment to lifelong learning that I carried into my endodontic residency at Marquette University School of Dentistry. There, I benefited from faculty mentorship, national conferences and symposiums, and study clubs that exposed me to a wide range of philosophies, technical insights, and clinical strategies that helped refine my approach to endodontic treatment. However, what surprised me most during residency was how much I learned through teaching. Preparing lectures and mentoring predoctoral students in both clinic and sim lab forced me to clarify my thinking and articulate the biological principles and clinical rationale behind each decision. Whether explaining a diagnosis, instrumentation technique, or material choice, I had to ensure my reasoning was both clear and sound. Watching students grasp complex concepts and improve their procedural technique under my guidance was rewarding and reminded me that teaching benefits both the learner and teacher.

As I grew clinically and academically, I also began to appreciate the impact I could have beyond the operatory through leadership and advocacy in organized dentistry. After graduating from dental school, I became involved with the Berkeley Dental Society, eventually serving as President. I brought a public health perspective to the board of directors as the only member treating California’s Medicaid population, and helped organize volunteer opportunities with the Berkeley Free Clinic, a nonprofit organization that offers free medical and dental care to the underserved. As Chair of the Continuing Education Committee, I curated general membership meetings that featured diverse speakers from both academia and private practice. These experiences showed me how organized dentistry can influence both clinical practice and public policy. During residency, I had the opportunity to serve on the Practice Affairs Committee of the AAE, where I gained insight into efforts to advance the specialty on a national level. I have also come to appreciate that advocacy happens not only through formal roles, but in daily clinical practice. Endodontists advocate every day by challenging the outdated perception that root canal treatment is inherently painful. By educating patients, delivering compassionate care, and sharing evidence-based practices, we help shift the narrative around endodontics one patient at a time.

Whether through clinical care, teaching, or advocacy, my experiences helped me answer the question of what it means to be an endodontist. Endodontic residency refined my technique, improved my understanding, and taught me how to manage complex cases with confidence. But it was general dentistry that gave me perspective on the patient experience and the realities of practice outside the specialty. Now, as I enter my career as an endodontist, I am thinking not only about how to tackle challenging canal morphologies, but also about the person attached to the tooth. I am thinking about how to bridge the gap between specialty care and general practice. I am thinking about how to continue growing, not just as a clinician, but as a communicator, collaborator, and educator. Each step in my journey has laid the foundation for the next, shaping not only how I practice, but who I am becoming as an endodontist.

Compiled by Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter

Dr. Simran Sarao is currently a final year Endodontic resident at The Ohio State University. Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter caught up with her to learn more about her and her journey to endo. 

The Paper Point: Dr. Sarao, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us! You’ve lived in both Canada and the U.S., grew up in Colorado, and went to dental school in Alberta. Can you walk us through your cross-border journey and what inspired you to pursue dentistry — and eventually Endodontics?

Dr. Simran Sarao: Thank you so much, Dr. Carpenter, for the opportunity to share a bit about my journey. I’ve certainly lived in a few corners of North America—it’s been kind of a cross-border relay race. I grew up in Colorado and Virginia and then headed north for undergrad and dental school at the University of Alberta in Canada. So yes, I’m proudly bilingual—in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. Now, if you are picturing -40°C winters (that is cold enough to get frostbite on your eyeballs!) and daylight till 10 pm in the summers, then that’s the right place. By the way, -40°C is as cold as -40°F, which is a not-so-fun fact I learned upon my arrival to Alberta from Colorado. Moving so often throughout my life helped me learn how to adapt quickly, connect with people in new environments, and stay grounded even when everything around me was changing.

When I was figuring out what I wanted to do, I knew healthcare was in the cards. I grew up watching both my parents work in the dental field and I saw firsthand the kind of quiet, meaningful impact they had on people’s lives. That kind of service really inspired me. Interestingly, I was torn between veterinary medicine and dentistry — two paths where you occasionally get bitten, although only one involves patients that can talk back! I shadowed a veterinarian in high school, and while I adore animals, I realized I’d spent the entire appointment cooing at them instead of doing any actual work. So dentistry it was, and I’m endlessly grateful that it led me here.

As for Endodontics, patients often walk through our doors full of anxiety, pain, and fear. They’ve heard the horror stories or they’re reliving a traumatic dental memory. And then we get this chance—within just a few minutes of meeting—to disarm them and make them feel safe, seen, and cared for. There’s something transformative about earning a patient’s trust through gentle, effective care—especially when they walk in terrified and leave saying, “Wait… that wasn’t so bad?”

The Paper Point: I love that! Okay, so you’ve completed both the Canadian and American dental boards — now you’re prepping for the Endo boards in both countries. That’s no small feat! What’s it been like navigating licensure requirements across two systems, and what advice would you give to others considering a similar path?

Dr. Simran Sarao: Licensing requirements are truly a beast of their own. Navigating two entirely different systems meant digging through websites, decoding conflicting guidelines, and figuring out what to take, where, and when—and feeling like the rules change every time you refresh the webpage.

Thanks to some incredibly open and supportive mentors, I’m now a licensed dentist in both the U.S. and Canada. That journey included a lot of written and practical exams (memories that I’ve since repressed for my own wellbeing). Right now, I’ve completed parts of the Canadian and American Endo boards, with one last exam lined up before the year’s end. And then, fingers crossed, I can officially retire from standardized testing.

Trying to navigate boards and licensure can feel like you’re stuck behind a slow-moving snowplow on the highway — you can’t get around it and every minute feels like it’s slowing you down. You find yourself scanning for detours and hoping to still make it to your destination in time. Fortunately, there are mentors along the way who’ve been stuck behind the same snowplow but are ready to offer guidance (and commiserate about the traffic).

I try to reframe my mindset from obligation to gratitude: instead of something we’re forced to do, I try to see it as a privilege that we get to become Endodontists. The path is tough, yes; but at the end of it, you join a pretty incredible community.

And while it is a grind, board certification is absolutely worth it—not just for licensure, but because it sharpens our skills, deepens our understanding, and ultimately strengthens our specialty.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone navigating this process would be to not hesitate to reach out. I leaned heavily on cold emails, cold phone calls, and even cold DMs—yes, actual “Hi, I don’t know you, but I heard you took this exam…” messages to a small but mighty group of folks who’ve walked the dual-country path before me. Our Endo community is generous, tight-knit, and full of people who genuinely want to help. You never know who will respond or how those connections will carry you through board prep and even your career.

If you’re reading this and in the thick of it, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ve been there, and I’d be glad to help however I can.

The Paper Point: That’s so sweet of you! Talk to me about your path to endo. You joined The Ohio State University as their Endodontic Intern for one year right out of dental school and then transitioned to the Residency program. Can you tell us a bit more about that experience?

Dr. Simran Sarao: When I was applying to Endo programs in my third year of dental school, I was mostly aware of the traditional residency route. I hadn’t really considered the intern path; honestly, I didn’t even know it existed at OSU until interview season.

I still remember the moment I got the call from Columbus inviting me for an interview. I was in the middle of a dental school appointment, saw the Ohio area code, and started tearing up in the clinic. They graciously offered me a Zoom interview because of the challenging COVID travel restrictions at the time; but I thought, no way. If OSU was giving me a shot, I was going to show up no matter what it took. So I took four COVID tests over a three-day cross-border journey from Edmonton to Columbus just to be there in person. My nose may have been raw from the swabs, and I may have spent more time in transit than actually in Ohio, but it was so worth it.

After my interview, I sat by Mirror Lake on the OSU campus and had this gut feeling: This is the place. That gut feeling only deepened after my other interviews. I chose OSU’s internship route and haven’t looked back since.

The intern year changed everything for me. It was this perfect blend of academic structure and real-world application. I ran the Ohio State Dental Center’s Walk-In Emergency Clinic — helping triage dozens of patients, guiding wide-eyed dental students, and learning how to collaborate with the very people who would eventually become my referral network.

The learning curve was steep but incredibly rewarding. I was in the thick of it; working shoulder-to-shoulder with faculty and other residents, absorbing clinical pearls, and sharpening my diagnostic skills (arguably the crux of our specialty). And teaching dental students? Let’s just say it prepared me for any question that might come my way in practice… and for a few I hope to never hear again!

It also happened to be my first real job. Earning a paycheck after years of paying tuition felt surreal and it conveniently coincided with adopting a golden retriever (Ms. Maple), but more on her later.

By the time residency started, I had the confidence, clinical mileage, and interpersonal insight to hit the ground running. The experience made me grow into the clinician I wanted to become— sharper, more grounded, and more prepared. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The Paper Point: Every opportunity, challenge, etc. truly does bring us closer to where we were always supposed to be! You are extremely accomplished. You’ve been on the Dean’s List, published in peer-reviewed journals, worked as the Assistant Editor for Dental Traumatology, and presented internationally. You also mentioned you were awarded the prestigious Ohio State University Graduate School Fellowship. What drives your commitment to academic and clinical excellence?

Dr. Simran Sarao:  My motivation is the responsibility I feel to show up as prepared and well-informed as possible for my patients, my community, and the specialty. That drive started in dental school where I aimed to explore as many aspects of dentistry as I could by getting involved in research and volunteering with outreach foundations. Serving as Assistant Editor for Dental Traumatology was an incredible opportunity that shaped my path, even before I understood its full impact. Dr. Liran Levin trusted me with that role early on and I am deeply grateful that he gave me the chance to step into that responsibility. Looking back, that experience played a pivotal role that shaped the academic side of my career and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Throughout my journey, I have been incredibly lucky to have mentors, such as Dr. Yuli Berlin-Broner at University of Alberta, who have recognized my work ethic and channeled my dedication into opportunities that defined my career.

My research experience has refined how I think clinically and has deepened my understanding of the science behind our treatments. Delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care is critical, especially in a world where every patient consults with Dr. Google before coming to see you!

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to receive recognition along the way. One of the greatest honors and financial reliefs was receiving the Ohio State University Graduate School Fellowship. This University-wide award prevented residency tuition from piling onto my dental school debt. And the savings were strategically rerouted to Ms. Maple’s veterinary bills and puppy training classes.

At the end of the day, everything I’ve done academically and clinically has been about showing up fully for the patients who trust me with their care. Endodontic excellence doesn’t come from just one lane, it’s built at the intersection of clinical skill, academic curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to keep learning. I’m thankful for every stop along the way.

The Paper Point: That’s amazing! You’ve had quite the ride. From ethics committees to student leadership, you’ve taken on roles beyond the operatory. How has your leadership journey shaped you as a resident and future Endodontist?

Dr. Simran Sarao: As Endodontists, we naturally step into leadership roles. Whether it’s guiding patients through tough clinical decisions or supporting our dental colleagues during challenging cases, our community looks to us for more than just our technical expertise.

Leadership, annoyingly, doesn’t show up overnight like an Amazon Prime package; instead, it needs to be cultivated intentionally. Residency has been a masterclass in leadership, from collaborating with the dental team to building respectful relationships with dental students. We’re trained to stay calm under pressure. This comes in handy when leading teams, managing anxious patients, or defusing a student’s fourth “quick question.” That resident-student relationship lays the groundwork for the future Endodontist-referring dentist dynamic—so I’ve made it a priority to understand and invest in that connection.

I’m also incredibly grateful to the dedicated full-time and part-time faculty at OSU who share their perspective on how to not turn into the office drill sergeant. Their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my clinical skills and in teaching me what thoughtful, patient-centered leadership really looks like.

Special thanks to Dr. Melissa Drum, who has taught me what it means to be a level-headed yet passionate leader—someone who can advocate fiercely for patients and confidently make her voice heard, even in rooms where that voice might be the unexpected one.

The Paper Point: Absolutely, mentorship is absolutely essential to our journey. What advice would you give to students or international graduates considering a U.S. residency program, especially in a competitive specialty like endo?

Dr. Simran Sarao:  My advice is to just apply and put yourself out there. I know what it feels like to apply to a system you’re not fully part of. I was coming from Canada, which (despite being known as America’s polite upstairs neighbor) is still a different country with a different process. Navigating the American system as an international applicant came with a lot of question marks and “am I even doing this right?” moments.

It’s easy to feel like an outsider, especially when you’re a fresh graduate without an extensive network. And there will be plenty of well-meaning people ready to list off every reason why the odds are stacked against you. But here’s the thing: haters gonna hate. You’ve got to keep your eyes on the goal and keep showing up. Know that what you’re striving for is difficult but not impossible, and perseverance is going to make all the difference. Give it your best shot, gather as much mentorship and information as you can, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Best case scenario is you find incredible mentors who will help you through the process – just as I was fortunate enough to experience. Worst case scenario is you get ghosted—and honestly, that’s just a character building exercise for private practice.

And when the day finally comes that you achieve the goal you thought was out of reach, take the time to celebrate and reflect on your hard work and dedication.  But most importantly, take the time to thank the people who helped you get there—the mentors who cleared paths, lifted you up, and believed in your potential long before you saw it yourself.

The Paper Point: What’s your dream for your career post-residency? Private practice? Academia? A blend of clinical, research, and leadership?

Dr. Simran Sarao:  For now, I’ll be joining a private practice in a small Canadian town. A place where the 8-foot snowbanks in the 6-month long winter make you feel like you don’t have neighbors. And where patients call from their summer time lake island cottages to confirm appointments… with the caveat that they might be late if their jet ski runs out of fuel.

That said, I’m open to wherever this path leads. One of the best things about Endodontics is its versatility. You can blend clinical care, research, and leadership in so many meaningful ways. I feel grateful to have built a strong foundation in those areas and I’m excited to see how they’ll shape my career in the years to come.

The Paper Point: You adopted your first dog when you moved to Columbus — love that! Tell us about your pup and what life’s been like balancing residency with dog mom duties.

Dr. Simran Sarao: This is easily my favorite question! I kick off every clinic week with the Monday Morning Maple Pupdate, complete with a collection of dog photos from our weekend adventures. I’ve wanted a dog since childhood. In fact, my very first “publication” was a third-grade drawing of a golden retriever. It took a few decades but when I began residency, I finally adopted an eight-month-old golden retriever, Maple (formally, she’s Ms. Maple—because she’s a true lady). Her name is inspired by her rich red-golden coat, reminiscent of sunlight shining through maple syrup on a cold Canadian day.

Maple’s early life is a bit of a mystery. I rescued her from a rather rough situation in Middle-of-Nowhere, Ohio where she was abandoned without proper food or veterinary care. Even adopting her involved a bit of tug-of-war, but that’s a story for another day. Understandably, she carried some anxiety from her past; but she’s made incredible progress now that she’s safe and loved. Since coming home, she’s become healthy, tick-free (quite the contrast from the dozen or so we found initially), and is a true example of self-lessness.

Adopting Maple has been life-changing. She’s taught me resilience: when something startles her on a walk, she acknowledges it, shakes it off, and keeps trotting forward. She’s incredibly friendly (sometimes preferring humans over other dogs) and reminds me daily to “play well with everyone,” whether at the dog park or in the clinic. She is already fluent in English, Panjabi, and Spanish (although “Attention” and “Treats” are her favorite languages!)

On difficult clinic days, she greets me with a smile, kindness in her eyes, and a wag in her tail. She is a constant reminder to pass along positivity. Her calm demeanor (post Zoomies, of course) would make her an excellent comfort to anxious patients. We’re currently working on her therapy certifications so she can become the CFO (Chief Furry Officer) at the Endodontic practice I join. She’ll be there to ease nerves and bring joy, one belly rub at a time.

Pet a dog before and after your root canal? That’s the best pre-op and post-op protocol I can imagine—for both healing and happiness!

The Paper Point: There’s nothing better than some puppy/animal love! Dr. Sarao, it’s been such a pleasure learning about your journey. As we wrap up, are there any final words you’d like to share with our readers?

Dr. Simran Sarao: I am sincerely grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to share my journey. One key lesson I have learned is that life rarely unfolds according to the carefully measured plans we make under the microscope, even when we’ve tried to account for every millimeter.

However, it often leads to greater growth when we remain open to new opportunities and keep a sense of humor on hand. We are privileged to be a part of this profession. I strive daily to serve with humility and remember that we have been given a unique opportunity to uplift those around us.

Dr. Priscilla L. Carpenter is chair of the AAE’s Resident and New Practitioner Committee.