Hawaii - Hawaii Island Community Health Center - AEGD

Health Center Contact:
Brian Higa, DDS – Dental Director
Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center
Bhiga@hichc.org

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

Mission

The mission of the East 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 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

• Volcanoes National Park
• Rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic hiking
• Local markets, music, and cultural events
• Strong East Hawai‘i community
• Ocean activities (fishing, spearfishing, surfing)
• Convenient airport access (ITO)

Additional Information

Implants: Yes. Residents restore implants and may have opportunities for placement depending on case availability and readiness.

Pediatric Patients: Yes. Residents will treat pediatric patients in clinical settings.