Postgraduation. Upon graduation from dental school, students face many different career options. From traditional private practice and advanced education programs to research and public health, there is a wide range of opportunities. How do you decide which road to choose?
When you begin dental school, seek the advice of mentors and get involved early. By participating in school activities, organizations and volunteer projects, you will be exposed to many facets of dentistry. Shadow professionals in a variety of specialties, learn practice-building business skills, and create networks. Have as many contacts as possible—you never know who can point you towards an opportunity!
Most importantly, keep an open mind. Get your feet wet in every area of dentistry and see what interests you the most. Have confidence in yourself and pursue what fascinates you. Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Postdoctoral Application Services
American Dental Association: Dental Education Programs
- ADA Dental Education Programs
- ADA Dental Programs: Information
- ADA Postdoctoral Program Search
- ADA Survey & Economic Research Reports
ADA Infopaks
ADA Information on Dental Specialties
- ADA Dental Specialties
- ADA Dental Definitions
- ADA-Dental Specialty Boards
- ADA-Report of the ADA-Recognized Dental Specialty Certifying Boards
- ADA-Specialty National Organizations
Dental Specialty Societies
- American Association of Public Health Dentistry
- American Association of Public Health Dentistry (residency programs page)
- American Association of Endodontists
- American Association of Endodontists (Programs page)
- American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Association of Orthodontists (Programs page)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (Residency Programs)
- American Academy of Periodontology
- American Academy of Periodontology (Residency Programs)
- American College of Prosthodontists
- American College of Prosthodontists (Postdoctoral Residency Programs)
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Postdoctoral Opportunities
- ACP John J. Sharry Prosthodontic Research Competition
- Baliant Orban Periodontal Prize (Information)
- The Abram and Sylvia Chasens Teaching and Research Fellowships
- International Research Scientist Development Award
- International Research Scientist Development Award
- Lazzara Fellowship in Advanced Implant Surgery
- Loan Repayment Programs (NIH)
- Michigan Society of Fellows
- NIDCR Research Training and Career Development
- Oral Biology Graduate Studies
- Oral Biology Graduate Studies
- Oral Postdoctoral Fellowships in Health Services Research
- Postdoctoral Research in U.S. Government Laboratories
- Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
- Tarrson Regeneration Scholarship
- White House Fellows Program
- Dr. and Mrs. Kramer Award for Excellence in Periodontology
- American College of Prosthodontics Educational Foundation Scholoarship