‘All A-Board!’ Article Series: Dr. Mark B. Desrosiers

AAE District II Director Dr. Mark Desrosiers received his D.M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania school of Dental Medicine in 1984. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy and was stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina.

After 16 years in private practice in general dentistry, he entered the Endodontic program at Boston University School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduating in 2006, he went into full-time practice with Central Connecticut Endodontics for many years. He still maintains an association with Boston University as a Clinical Associate Professor in Endodontics.

Dr. Desrosiers has long been active in organized dentistry. He is a Past President of the CT State Dental Association and has served as Speaker of the CSDA House of the Delegates.  He served as the AAE representative to the ADA Political Action Committee, a member of the ADA Council on Government Affairs, a long term Action Team Leader, and the Caucus Chair for the First District.

Dental honors include fellowships in the Pierre Fauchard Society, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Desrosiers also volunteers in various community organizations including the Boy Scouts of America. He resides in Connecticut with his wife of nearly 40 years. They have two grown children both married and each have two children.

One marked milestone on Dr. Desrosiers’ journey through endodontics was his Board certification. He completed this well into his dentistry career. Here, he describes the road to Board certification.

Why did you decide to get Board certified?
I realized how important it is to maintain our specialty, so part of my desire was to help my specialty.  I also chose to test myself and thereby make myself a better endodontist.

How long did you prepare for and complete the various parts of the exam, and what was this process like?How did you balance your career, personal life, and exam prep?
I took the written portion soon after my residency.  My program adequately prepared me for this part.  Next, I did my cases.  This took much longer than it should have. During this time, I was very involved in organized dentistry and my family life kept me busy. For the oral exam, I partnered with a classmate and we met weekly for a few months reviewing anticipated scenarios. We also used study guides, Board review courses, and mock orals to prepare.

What has been the most profound benefit(s) of being Board certified?
Studying forced me to improve myself and helped me to realize that this can and should continue. In other words, life, as well as our specialty, is one of continuous improvement and this was another way, I improved myself.

What advice would you give to an endodontist who wants to get Board certified, but is hesitant to make such a large commitment?
If I can do it, you can. Plan accordingly. Find people to work with and help you. Make the sacrifices in time to do it. The most satisfying things in life are the ones we work for and achieve, not those that are handed to you.