The AEGD Program, established in 1988, turns dental-school graduates into advanced clinicians with increased confidence and competence while providing oral healthcare to vulnerable communities. The world's largest program of its kind, it focuses on developing expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients' oral health needs in various settings such as community health centers, private practices, dental school campuses, dental public health programs, and more.
Residents gain valuable experience working collaboratively with allied dental health providers, physicians, and other healthcare practitioners, emphasizing interdisciplinary and interprofessional patient care management.
Over the years, thousands of practitioners have been successfully trained through this program, serving diverse and underserved communities.
Residents contribute to a national public health initiative to improve access to quality oral healthcare services for these communities.
During the program, residents gain clinical experience in various dental disciplines, including preventive, restorative, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, surgery, sedation techniques, pain management, trauma management, and dental public health.
They treat a wide range of patients, including children, adults, the elderly, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and medically complex cases. Residents typically handle 1,500 to 2,000 patient visits annually. In addition to the clinical experience, the program offers a comprehensive didactic curriculum.