Written by: Melanie Medina
After years of rigorous coursework, clinical hours, and personal sacrifices, it’s finally time to don your cap and gown and officially claim your doctorate title.
Getting into dentistry and defying the odds was a success on its own; now comes the time to establish yourself as a dentist and begin practicing.
As detailed by Pacific Dental Services, graduates will follow one of two routes after walking the graduation stage: deciding to continue their education and specialize in an area of dentistry, or taking the National Board Dental Examination to practice general dentistry.
While these different paths may seem daunting—especially if a graduate is unsure whether a specialty is right for them—dental school faculty and administration dedicate themselves to guiding and advising students through these changes.
Mentorship and Collaboration
Piotr Irving, BDS, a recent graduate of NYU’s College of Dentistry, looks forward to continuing his dental journey in the years ahead.
“NYU challenged me to grow not just as a clinician, but as a communicator, collaborator, and critical thinker,” says Dr. Irving. “It allowed me to become a thoughtful, intentional aesthetic dentist who is committed to delivering work at the highest level.”
When discussing the course that graduate students follow after completing their four years of dental schooling, Dr. Irving advises that becoming a well-rounded general dentist might seem very steep and intimidating.
“Mastery comes from focus,” says Dr. Irving. “Find what you love and lean into it. Your patients can feel when you’re doing work you love. There is no ‘one path’ in dentistry—carve out the version that’s right for you.”
Dr. Irving treads an interesting route post-graduation, as he will stay on the NYU board as Chief Fellow in the Apa Aesthetic Program.
“It’s an opportunity to go even deeper, taking on more complex cases and pushing for more life-changing results while also mentoring incoming students,” explains Dr. Irving. “It’s a role that reinforces my own growth while helping others build theirs.”
In the months to come, Dr. Irving is excited to mentor students who are interested in pursuing aesthetics.
“I believe it is part of our responsibility as professionals to support those who want to learn,” says Dr. Irving. “Dentistry should be collaborative. The more we share, the better we all become.”
Furthering Your Education
Joanne Jeong, DMD, a recent graduate from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, began her residency in Advanced Education at the University of California, Los Angeles, this month.
“This transition has been both exciting and humbling,” says Dr. Jeong. “I’m now immersed in treating more complex cases, collaborating with specialists, and continuing to grow clinically and professionally in a supportive environment.”
While Dr. Jeong is not pursuing a specialty following her graduation from Rutgers, this does not take away from her passion or ability to grow as a dentist and work toward perfecting her practice.
“I went back and forth on pediatric dentistry because I love working with children, but I also realized I enjoy treating adults,” says Dr. Jeong. “This path gives me the flexibility to treat diverse cases while continuing to explore areas I’m passionate about.”
While many dental students might believe that not pursuing a specialty could limit them or send them into the workforce unprepared, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I truly enjoy general dentistry—especially restorative and aesthetic work—and wanted to further develop those skills through this residency,” explains Dr. Jeong. “I find fulfillment in building long-term relationships with patients, managing a wide range of procedures, providing comprehensive treatment and care, and collaborating with specialists when needed.”
General dentistry became a passion for Dr. Jeong, and continuing to strengthen these skills fueled her ongoing enthusiasm for the profession.
Looking Into Every Option
Deciding to pursue a specialty is a popular route for many dental graduates, but it can also feel daunting or even limiting—especially for those who don’t feel a strong pull toward a particular focus. Fortunately, specializing isn’t the only way to grow in your career. There are countless opportunities to better yourself as a general dentist, from pursuing continuing education and certifications to exploring new technologies, techniques, or practice settings. If a specialty doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, that doesn’t mean your journey ends here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie Medina is an intern at Dentistry Today and a recent graduate of Hofstra University, where she earned her degree in journalism with a minor in chemistry. A predental student from New Jersey, she combines her passion for science and storytelling to explore the evolving world of dentistry. Melanie is currently preparing to apply to dental school, with aspirations to become a clinician who values both technical skill and patient communication. Her unique background gives her a dual perspective on oral healthcare—both as a future provider and as a communicator dedicated to educating others in the field.
