Want to quit AEGD

[dentite24]

My AEGD program ends July 1. This program isn’t at all what it used to be, and I’m very disappointed in my decision coming here. We are severely underpaid, and I won’t be able to afford the last 2 months of rent/utilities/food( let alone moving back across the country).

My program director is incredibly annoying and a micromanager. Acts like we have to be here to get a dental license. We’re also severely understaffed (do most of our own hygiene and rarely have assistants). I feel that I work in a special needs and Medicaid fillings/prophies/sedations sweat shop.. Feels like a mix between dental/assisting/hygiene school. Not what I signed up for at all.

I do have a couple of cases I want to finish in march/April (finally placing some implants). But, would it be bad to leave the program 2 months early because I can't even afford the last 2 months and can’t stand going in everyday? I could care less about the certificate.

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[LFA20]

take a loan and finish the aegd

 

[dentite24]

Personal loans are like 11-12%.. terrible financial decision for something I don't even care about. Just doesn't seem worth it. Do I really need the certificate? I've learned what I'll learn at this point... Resume will just say "attended AEGD" which isn't a lie lol

 

[lol105]

Depends what you want to do... If you want to apply to a specialty program, I would highly recommend finishing the AEGD program on a good term, since the Program Directors may know your AEGD director and ask about you.

If you want to go work at a private practice and be a general dentist... then you should do what seems wise and feasible to you since the AEGD director won't have any affect in your future career

 

[dentite24]

Depends what you want to do... If you want to apply to a specialty program, I would highly recommend finishing the AEGD program on a good term, since the Program Directors may know your AEGD director and ask about you.

If you want to go work at a private practice and be a general dentist... then you should do what seems wise and feasible to you since the AEGD director won't have any affect in your future career

No plans at all to specialize. Just want to be an associate.
My only goal for the residency was to do some surgeries (mainly implants) before I start working under my own license, so I really want to just do that and then leave.

 

[Saddleshoes]

No plans at all to specialize. Just want to be an associate.
My only goal for the residency was to do some surgeries (mainly implants) before I start working under my own license, so I really want to just do that and then leave.

How will a potential employer know, for sure, that you are capable of doing implants if you cannot produce an AEGD certificate?

(In healthcare these days, credentials are very important.)

 

[Boat on the Chesapeake]

Are you able to moonlight on the weekend (without your program knowing if it’s prohibited)? You’re so close to getting the certificate it’s probably worth a little extra debt.

 

[dentite24]

How will a potential employer know, for sure, that you are capable of doing implants if you cannot produce an AEGD certificate?

(In healthcare these days, credentials are very important.)

I have implant CE credits/certificate and pics/x-rays of cases. I’m not into title culture, I don’t think an AEGD helps me. I also already have a job lined up

 

[dentite24]

Are you able to moonlight on the weekend (without your program knowing if it’s prohibited)? You’re so close to getting the certificate it’s probably worth a little extra debt.

I don’t have a state license here, only a residency permit. Also, yes, program prohibits us from moonlighting. Even discourages us from having another job because “it takes away from time here”

 

[FutureDent020]

You sound like you have made up your mind. There isn’t a practical reason to stay except to continue to gain experience without liability. But you don’t seem to care much about that. There are probably a handful of opportunities that will require “experience” or a “PGY-1”. Not sure if they will require a certificate, but it’s possible. You’ll probably shut a few doors if you leave but that’s just speculation. Nothing life changing. If you have to take a loan out to finish an AEGD you don’t like or feel like you aren’t learning much from then it doesn’t seem worth it. I’m of the mindset to finish things out, make lemonade out of lemons, make the most out of opportunities, etc. But I’m honestly not sure what the pros of finishing it out are. Make a pros vs cons list and you’ll probably have a straight forward answer

 

[allDAT]

Honestly, MOST people who will hire a new grad are offering terrible positions.

You’ve got 7 months…unless you have landed an amazing job, just stay and network.

For money…get on Upwork, get a job, drive a car for Uber eats or something.

You’re going to be blown away by how bad the job market is for new dentists.

 

[allDAT]

Honestly, MOST people who will hire a new grad are offering terrible positions.

You’ve got 7 months…unless you have landed an amazing job, just stay and network.

For money…get on Upwork, get a job, drive a car for Uber eats or something.

You’re going to be blown away by how bad the job market is for new dentists.

 

[allDAT]

You also may find that by the time you apply for a license wherever you want to go, it’ll be April before it’s active…there’s just not much time.


Also, don’t rule out specialty programs. You haven’t even really practiced yet. Being a specialist (in general) is sooooo much better than being a general dentist because you remove the comp exam and your leads are prequalified.

 

[RemainPositive]

Dang why is the job market so bad for new graduates right now?

 

[allDAT]

Dang why is the job market so bad for new graduates right now?

I don’t believe the market has ever been good for new dentists…they just don’t have enough reps to be any good.