News

This summer, the Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University opened its new General Practice Residency (GPR) program. We've asked the two students, Drs. Ian MacIntyre and Ryan Murphy, a few quick questions for our new Gimme Five feature, which will be featured regularly on our website throughout the academic year.

Question 1: How is what you're learning in the GPR program different from the DDS program? 

The GPR Program gives us much more independence. It is similar to running our own practice as we are ultimately making the decisions when it comes to patient care and scheduling. That being said, we are very fortunate to have such a strong team of mentors in the faculty that are willing to discuss case situations with us. Additionally, the patient population that we see in our clinic is typically more medically complex than the patient population upstairs. As a result, we are learning how to best manage these types of patients while maintaining their oral and systemic health  -Ryan Murphy

Question 2: What has been the most interesting or useful thing you’ve done so far, or that you're most looking forward to trying?

The most interesting work so far has been the care of our under-serviced population in Halifax. Their gratitude makes the hard work worthwhile. I'm most looking forward to planning and placing implants as well as my three month rotation the CDHA OMFS department. -Ian MacIntyre

Question 3: What advice would you share with students or alumni who are thinking about taking a GPR program?

Figure out why you want to take the program and what you expect to get out of it and weigh that against the experience working a year in private practice. -Ian MacIntyre

Question 4: After you complete the GPR, what's next for you?

Right now that is up in the air. I am very interested in OMFS, so that may be part of my future if I am fortunate. Regardless, I would be excited to work in private practice in the HRM and put my new skills to work. -Ryan Murphy

Question 5: You didn't have much of a break between your graduation ceremony and the start of the GPR. Some of your classmates took big trips, while others started working right away. What have you done to relax since graduation?

I was actually lucky enough to travel to Jamaica in May before graduation with my fiancee, my brother and sister, and their significant others. Apart from that, I try to spend a lot of time at my family's cottage near Mahone Bay on Lake Mush a Mush where I get to golf, waterski, and enjoy my friends and family. -Ryan Murphy

I have spent most of my free time running; training for a marathon this fall. The rest of my spare time has been eating and sleeping, Dr. Lee keeps us pretty busy. -Ian MacIntyre

For more information on the progam, click here