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The AEGD program has formal didactic courses covering advanced topics in general dentistry (i.e. geriatrics, implantology, practice management, etc.). Seminars designed specifically for the AEGD residents emphasize the concepts of comprehensive patient care for a diverse patient population. Scheduled throughout the year of training, each seminar is structured to complement the clinical experiences of the program. Individual course directors serve as the primary teachers/mentors and arrange for supplemental input from consultants and basic science faculty, as needed, to ensure completeness of the resident’s training. The different disciplines of dentistry, foundational basic sciences, and relevant areas of medicine are included in the didactic component of the program.
Mission Goals and Objectives
The overall objectives of the program are in accordance with the standards described by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which state that the AEGD residency will prepare the graduate to:
a. Act as a primary care provider for individuals and groups of patients. This includes: providing emergency and multidisciplinary comprehensive oral health care; providing patient focused care that is coordinated by the general practitioner; directing health promotion and disease prevention activities, and using advanced dental treatment modalities.
b. Plan and provide multidisciplinary oral health care for a wide variety of patients including patients with special needs. Develop advanced levels of patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning employing development of patient rapport and the process of informed consent.
c. Manage the delivery of oral health care by applying concepts of patient and practice management and quality improvement that are responsive to a dynamic health care environment.
d. Function effectively and efficiently in multiple health care environments within interdisciplinary health care teams.
e. Apply scientific principles to learning and oral health care. This includes using critical thinking, evidence or outcomes-based clinical decision-making and technology-based information retrieval systems.
f. Utilize the values of professional ethics, lifelong learning, patient centered care adaptability, and acceptance of cultural diversity in professional practice.
g. Understand the oral health needs of communities and engage in community service through treatment of patients with special needs and emergency care of less fortunate patients.
h. Interest in, and appreciation for, the dental literature while developing a lifelong commitment to continuing education.
The program is a comprehensive learning experience involving training in the major disciplines of general dental practice. Predominantly clinically oriented, it includes a didactic component of approximately twenty percent (20%). The clinical phase consists of experience and instruction in the following areas: endodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, operative, fixed and removable prosthodontics, implants, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and special care patients. Educationally qualified specialists in each of these areas participate in instruction and are always available for consultations; however, the program is driven by general dentists to ensure a well-rounded experience.
The didactic component provides the resident with a broad academic background from which sound clinical judgments can be made with respect to diagnosis, treatment planning and the selection of the appropriate method of treatment for each individual patient. The didactic phase is scheduled on a regular basis and includes lectures, seminars, literature reviews, treatment planning conferences, clinical pathological conferences and special projects. Examples of special projects may include table clinics, poster presentations and preparation of a professional lecture. The following areas of interest are included in didactic sessions: oral pathology, oral medicine, physical evaluation, oral diagnosis and treatment planning, preventive dentistry, control of pain and anxiety in the conscious patient, implants, geriatric dentistry, special care and medically compromised patients, asepsis, infection and hazard control.
In addition, residents will gain didactic knowledge and clinical experience in practice management techniques, which will enable them to be prepared to deal with acquiring, managing and coordinating different types of potential practice situations they may seek upon graduation.
For a complete description of the program you may view the AEGD Handbook.
The program is 12 months in length and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Successful completion culminates in the award of a certificate in advanced education in general dentistry. This program also offers the option of further study for a master’s (M.S.) or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree for individuals interested in careers in academic dentistry. The program begins on July 1st of every year.
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