Hawaii - Hawaii Island Community Health Center-Kailua - AEGD

Health Center Contact:
Susan Strommer, DDS
Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center
Sstrommer@hichc.org

Name of Training Site:
Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center – West Hawai‘i AEGD Residency Program (NYU Langone)

Mission

The mission of the West Hawai‘i AEGD site is to provide advanced clinical training in a community health setting where residents deliver comprehensive, culturally grounded, patient-centered care. Our program is dedicated to improving oral health outcomes for underserved and rural communities across Hawai‘i Island while developing residents into confident, compassionate clinicians prepared for real-world practice.

We emphasize a positive, supportive team environment and value honesty and kindness. Many of our staff dentists are graduates of this AEGD program.

Clinical Experience

• Comprehensive restorative dentistry and prosthodontics
• Implants (placement and restoration)
• Endodontics (anterior, premolar, and molar cases)
• Oral surgery including surgical extractions
• Periodontal therapy
• Crown and bridge
• Removable prosthodontics
• Preventive dentistry and community outreach
• Management of medically complex patients
• Urgent care and walk-in emergency visits
• Digital dentistry and fabrication workflows

Technology

• Intraoral digital scanners (CEREC/PrimeScan)
• Digital milling (MCX-5)
• X-Nav CBCT guided implant placement
• SprintRay 3D printing workflows
• CBCT imaging
• Epic Wisdom EHR
• DS Core cloud-based platform

Patient Population

• Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities
• Working families and retirees
• Rural families and agricultural workers
• Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured, underinsured, and private-pay patients
• Adults with complex restorative needs
• Pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients
• Individuals experiencing social determinant challenges

Life Outside the Clinic

• Ocean activities and beaches
• Dry, sunny climate
• Coffee farms, hiking, and cultural festivals
• Convenient airport access (KOA)

Life as a resident on Hawai‘i Island is as unique and rewarding as the training itself. When the workday ends, the island becomes your playground—from the white-sand beaches of Kona to the lush rainforests and waterfalls of Hilo.

Residents often spend weekends snorkeling with manta rays, hiking volcano trails, exploring local farmers’ markets, or catching a sunset surf session after clinic. The island’s close-knit community makes it easy to find both connection and adventure.

You’ll enjoy year-round outdoor activities, incredible local food, and a relaxed island lifestyle that balances the intensity of residency training. Whether it’s a beach barbecue with co-residents, volunteering at outreach events, or exploring hidden waterfalls, living and learning here is truly special.

Additional Information

Implants: Yes. Residents restore implants and may participate in guided placement depending on readiness and case volume.

Pediatric Patients: Residents have the opportunity to work on pediatric patients alongside pediatric dentists if they choose.