AGD Residency Program Director of the Year Award

"What distinguishes Dr. Russ Bergman as an outstanding residency program director is the rare combination of high expectations, genuine mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to making the program itself better — year after year. Dr. Bergman creates a learning environment where residents feel both challenged and supported. He holds us to a high standard, but never in a way that feels punitive — rather, it reflects his deep belief in what we’re capable of. That balance is difficult to strike, and he does it with consistency and intention. As a result, residents feel safe taking on difficult cases, asking hard questions, and being honest about their limitations — which is exactly the environment where real clinical growth happens. What sets Dr. Bergman apart from many program directors, is that his mentorship extends well beyond dentistry. He invests in us as people and as future professionals — mindful of the pressures we face, the decisions ahead of us, and the kind of practitioners and leaders we’re becoming. That breadth of investment is something you feel throughout the residency, not just in clinical feedback. Perhaps most telling of his character as a leader is how fiercely he advocates for this program. Dr. Bergman is never content with the status quo — he is constantly looking for ways to evolve, improve, and expand what this residency offers its residents. That kind of proactive ownership is rare. It signals a director who doesn’t just manage a program but takes personal pride in its excellence and its impact on every resident who passes through it. For these reasons, Dr. Bergman is not simply a good program director — he is the kind of mentor whose influence follows you long after residency ends" - Darshan Desai