Dental General Practice Residency Program

Overview

Welcome to the General Practice Residency (GPR) at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital located in Canton, OH. We provide dental graduates with advanced postdoctoral training in general dentistry while serving our community patients.

Our GPR offers a one-year program with an optional second year.

Mission statement

Our General Practice Residency is committed to advancing the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of emerging dentists by providing comprehensive, patient-centered care in a collaborative hospital environment. Through rigorous clinical training, mentorship, and exposure to wide range of populations and complex cases, we aim to empower residents to deliver compassionate, evidence-based dentistry while fostering lifelong learning, ethical decision-making, and community engagement. Our goal is to cultivate confident, adaptable dental professionals prepared to meet the evolving oral health needs of our patients.

We strive to achieve this mission by equipping residents with the knowledge, skills, and values for the ability to:

• Deliver Comprehensive, Modern, Multidisciplinary Care- Prepare residents to act as primary care providers by offering emergency and multidisciplinary oral health care that is patient-focused, technologically advanced and inclusive of health promotion and disease prevention.
• Address the Needs of Patients from all Backgrounds- Train residents to plan and provide high-quality oral health care for a wide range of patients, including those with special needs in a clinical and operating room setting, ensuring access to care for all.
• Develop Leadership in Practice and Patient Management- Foster expertise in managing the delivery of oral health care by applying principles of practice management, quality improvement, and responsiveness to the evolving healthcare landscape.
• Integrate into Hospital and Healthcare Systems-Enable dentists to function effectively within hospital and other healthcare environments, bridging the gap between oral medicine and overall health.
• Collaborate in Interdisciplinary Medical Teams-Promote teamwork and communication with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• Apply Evidence-Based and Critical Thinking Skills -Encourage the application of scientific principles, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice, supported using technology.
• Uphold Professionalism and Ethical Practice- Instill the values of professional ethics, cultural competence, adaptability, and lifelong learning to ensure residents provide care that respects the needs of a wide range of patients and communities.
• Engage in Community Service and Advocacy- Inspire residents to understand and address the oral health needs of communities facing barriers to access, fostering a commitment to service, advocacy, and public health. Cleveland Clinic believes We are part of the social fabric of the community, creating opportunities for those around us and making the communities we serve healthier. Through this mission, our residents participate in community education and oral health.

Accreditation status

Program Name: Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
CODA ID number: GPR538
Accreditation Status: Approval without reporting

Curriculum

Comprehensive training and curriculum

The residency program provides a robust curriculum designed to prepare residents for excellence in patient care and professional practice. Training includes:

• Lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences in hospital protocols, physical diagnosis, pain control, and emergency care
• Rotations in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesia
• Didactic learning through seminars, conferences, case presentations, and private local study club seminars
• 32 hours per week of structured clinic time in the dental ambulatory care facility
• On call responsibilities for emergency dental cases, including emergency oral surgery and emergency room experience
• Operating room service for special needs adult patients

Clinical rotations

Our facility

The dental department at Mercy Hospital’s surgery center is designed to optimize patient care and resident education. The facility features:

• A welcoming reception area and 11 operatories for dentists and hygienists
• A specialized operatory for treating patients with complex needs and performing advanced surgical procedures
• Recent clinical upgrades including new state-of-the-art patient and operator chairs equipped with electric handpieces
• CBCT and digital radiography
• Dental laser
• Intraoral scanning and 3D dental printer

How to Apply

The Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital GPR currently accepts four first year (PGY-1) residents and one optional chief year resident (PGY-2) . All applications must be completed through ADEA PASS. We do not participate in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (the Match).

Refer to our PASS profile for complete application requirements. Please note, the following must be fulfilled:

• Graduation from a CODA accredited dental school prior to matriculation.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Must have passed National Dental Board Examination.

Selection of the GPR residents is performed by the Selection Committee which consists of administrative personal, current faculty and residents.

Institutional criteria for selection include preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, written and verbal communication skills, and motivation and integrity. Selection criteria must be consistent with all applicants and there must not be any discrimination in the selection process with regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

In addition to adhering to the Institutional policy, the Dental Section’s process includes review of eligible candidates by a program selection committee, individual interviews and interview evaluations. Criteria used in the selection process includes:

• Review of the eligibility requirements
• Performance on standardized dental board examinations
• Overall academic performance in dental school
• Recent clinical training or experience
• Motivation to pursue a career in dentistry
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Record of scholarly activity
• Letters of recommendation from faculty
• Dean’s letter
• Dental school transcript

This institution will perform random drug screening and applicant must pass a cotinine (nicotine free) test before matriculation.

Training at Cleveland Clinic

For more information about training at the Cleveland Clinic, please visit Graduate Medical Education or contact:

Andrew Wojtkowski, DMD, FAGD, FAAHD, DABSCD
Program Director
wojtkoa@ccf.org
330.430.6988

Zachary Christoff, DMD
Associate Program Director
Christz2@ccf.org
330.737.8984

Charo Augustinsky
Program Coordinator
augustc7@ccf.org
330.489.1483

Clinical Faculty

Dr. Andrew Wojtkowski
Program Director
330.430.6988
WojtkoA@ccf.org

Dr. Zachary Christoff
Associate Director
330.737.8984
christz2@ccf.org

Dr. Laura Albrecht
General Dentist

 
Dr. David Ash
Oral Surgeon

 
Dr. Corey Boss
General Dentist

Dr. Constantin Farah
Periodontist

Dr. Marc Gayed
Oral Surgeon

Dr. Philip Jensen
Endodontist

 
Dr. Jay Maxfield
Prosthodontist

 
Dr. Thomas Paumier
General Dentist

 
Dr. Steven Smith
General Dentist

 
Dr. George T. Williams
General Dentist

Dr. Michael Winick
Endodontist

Residents

Current Dental Residents

2025-2026

 
Gabriel Militello, DDS
PGY2 Chief Resident

 
Eleese LaVoy, DDS
PGY1

 
Nhulam Pham, DMD
PGY1

 
Ethan Lim, DDS
PGY1

 
Shane Cooley, DMD
PGY

Past Residents

2024-2025

Brianna Poe, DDS – Chief Resident

John Boykin, DDS

Rylan Dunn, DDS

Alexandra Metzger, DMD

Gabriel Militello, DDS

2023-2024

Frank Boscarillo, DMD

Angela Kruk, DDS

Jacob Pancake, DDS

Brianna Poe, DDS

2022-2023

Corey Boss, DDS – Chief Resident

Rebecca Farag, DMD

Sunny Patel, DDS

Megan Pycraft, DDS

Living in Canton

Living in Canton, Ohio offers a mix of small-city comfort, Midwestern friendliness, and deep cultural history. Located in northeast Ohio, about an hour south of Cleveland and 20 minutes from Akron, Canton is best known as the birthplace of the National Football League (NFL) and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which draws visitors from across the country each year—especially during the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in August.

Community and Lifestyle

Canton has a strong sense of community. Residents often describe it as a city where people know their neighbors and take pride in local traditions. The cost of living is lower than the national average, making it attractive for families, retirees and young professionals alike. Housing options range from historic homes in neighborhoods like Harter Heights and Market Heights to newer developments and suburban-style living in nearby areas such as Jackson Township and North Canton.

Economy and Employment

Canton’s economy has diversified beyond its industrial roots. Historically known for steel and manufacturing, the city has expanded into healthcare, education, and service industries. Major employers include Cleveland Clinic, TimkenSteel and Canton City Schools. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Village—a mixed-use development project—continues to bring new business and tourism to the area.

Culture and Attractions

Canton isn’t just about football. It has a growing arts and music scene, centered around the Canton Arts District, which hosts the popular First Friday events—monthly celebrations of art, live music, food and community. The Canton Museum of Art, Palace Theatre and Canton Symphony Orchestra provide cultural depth, while local breweries and restaurants add modern flavor to the city’s traditional character.

Outdoor Life

For nature lovers, Canton offers easy access to parks, trails and lakes. The Stark Parks system includes dozens of scenic trails for biking, hiking and birdwatching, including sections of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Winters can be cold and snowy, but fall brings colorful foliage and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Education and Family Life

Families benefit from several public and private school options, as well as nearby colleges like Malone University and Kent State University at Stark. Community events, sports leagues and local festivals make Canton a family-friendly place to live.

Overall, living in Canton means enjoying affordability, history and community spirit, with the convenience of being close to larger cities like Cleveland and Columbus. It’s a place that balances small-town warmth with a proud sports heritage and a growing sense of renewal.

FAQs

What benefits do residents receive?

Cleveland Clinic offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, maternity/paternity leave, vacation and more.

Residents are able to choose from various Health Plans, Prescription Plans, Dental and Vision Coverage. The cost of these benefits depend on single vs. family coverage and which tier is selected within the chosen plan.

Mercy residents are also provided a monthly food stipend at our hospital cafeteria.

What is the salary structure for residents?

Learn about salary and other financial highlights.

What is “On Call” like?

First year residents rotate “on-call” responsibility weekly. Dental residents are able to take call from home but must be within 30 minutes of the hospital. Residents are supported in their duties by the chief resident and program director(s).

Is there resident support for continuing education?

Yes. Our residents get a $1000 stipend to be used toward educational experiences as approved by the program director. Through our department and support of the Stark County Dental Society, the residents typically receive 40+ hours of private CE by way of study clubs, lectures and the Stark County Dental Society University Series.

Where do the residents live?

Residents live in a variety of neighborhoods spanning across greater Stark County and southern Summit county areas. Please contact our program coordinator for more information about living in Canton