College of Dental Medicine + Graduates
Dental graduate found her calling early: ‘I wanted to be a dentist since I was 9’
General Practice Dentistry Residency (GPR)
book_2 Learning Mode: Residential
Program Overview
Train for advanced practice in dentistry. The general practice residency (GPR) offers newly graduated dentists an intensive, hands-on training experience in a hospital-based setting.
Located in Florence, South Carolina, the program provides residents with advanced clinical exposure while delivering high-quality dental care to a diverse and medically complex patient population. Residents develop the skills and confidence needed to manage comprehensive dental care through interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and mentorship from experienced faculty.
This program prepares residents for success in private practice, community health, or advanced specialty training.
Application Timeline
ADEA PASS
May 13, 2026 - February 12, 2027
Training Experience
By training where community impact meets clinical excellence, you will help meet unfulfilled needs while advancing your expertise.
Comprehensive dentistry
Residents gain robust hands-on experience across a wide range of dental disciplines, including:
- Hospital dentistry
- IV sedation and anesthesia
- Oral surgery
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Special health care needs
- Urgent care
- Treatment planning for medically complex patients
Residents also participate in interdisciplinary care alongside medical professionals, strengthening their ability to manage complex cases.
Hospital setting
As a hospital-based residency, MUSC Health Florence Medical Center provides a dynamic learning environment where dentistry and medicine intersect. Residents work alongside experienced faculty and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of dental and medical needs.
Residents will develop the clinical judgment, efficiency, and confidence needed to excel in today’s evolving dental landscape.
Program highlights:
- Hospital-based training environment
- Diverse patient population
- High clinical volume
- Exposure to medically complex cases
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
- Collaborative interdisciplinary care
Community impact
A 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted in partnership between McLeod Health and MUSC found that less than 60% of survey respondents Darlington, Florence, Marion, and Williamsburg Counties had received preventative dental care, such as a cleaning or x-ray, within the prior 12 months.
This program plays an important role in expanding access to dental care for patients across the Pee Dee region.
You will gain more than advanced clinical experience. You will become part of a mission-driven healthcare system dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and improving health in northeastern South Carolina.
You will develop not only as a stronger clinician, but as a compassionate leader prepared for private practice, hospital dentistry, or public health service — ready to make a lasting impact in the community you serve.
A growing hub for dental expertise
How to apply
Here is everything you need to know about becoming a resident general dentist.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from an accredited dental school
- Be eligible for South Carolina dental licensure
Application Process
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Submit your application through the American Dental Education Association's Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS). You do not need to send anything directly to MUSC.
- Interview Period
- Match Day
Life in Florence
Florence is centrally located between Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, offering both small-town comfort and easy access to city amenities.
Enjoy the affordable cost of living, short commute, local restaurants and coffee shops, access to beaches and outdoor recreation, and a supportive healthcare community.
Program Faculty
Learn from experienced clinicians dedicated to mentoring residents and supporting their development as confident, highly skilled clinicians. Residents work closely with specialists and experienced practitioners across multiple disciplines to ensure comprehensive training.
Mission
The MUSC Florence General Practice Residency is dedicated to training skilled, compassionate dentists through advanced clinical education in a hospital-based environment. Our program emphasizes comprehensive care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and service to the diverse communities of the Pee Dee region while preparing residents for successful careers in private practice, public health, or specialty training.Stories worth sharing
Get to know the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine.
