Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)

The University of Michigan AEGD program was started in 1992. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. It is a one-year program designed to provide residents with a broad experience in general dentistry and to develop competency in the variety of disciplines that constitute the bulk of general dental practice. The program consists of a one-year commitment from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Didactic and clinical instruction will be provided in Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry. The Implant Course explores in-depth both the surgical and restorative phases of Implant Dentistry. Residents also participate in off-service clinical rotations to Community Dental Clinics.

Residents provide comprehensive dental care for their patients in the AEGD Clinic. Residents gain valuable training and experience in advanced diagnostic and treatment procedures with the goal of providing patients with total oral health care. Specific efforts are made to treat active caries as a disease process and integrate chemotherapeutic regimens with rehabilitative procedures, according to the latest findings in the science of cariology. The AEGD Clinic is a modern facility with state of the art equipment located within the School of Dentistry. Approximately 85% of the resident's time is spent in direct patient care. The AEGD Clinic faculty consists of both general dentists and specialists. They work closely with the residents in managing the array of services provided through the clinic. The AEGD Clinic is staffed weekly with a Periodontist, Endodontist, Pediatric Dentist, and Prosthodontist in addition to four graduate trained General Dentists. A wide range of consultants are also available to the program through the School of Dentistry as well as the neighboring University of Michigan Medical Center.

Several areas of instruction are emphasized through the AEGD program. A yearlong seminar series is developed with resident's input to explore various areas of practice management related to entering, acquiring and maintaining a private practice. Another area of emphasis is Esthetic Dentistry. Although many graduating dental students have had didactic instruction on a variety of esthetic materials and techniques, they have little clinical experience. Formal didactic training in advanced esthetic techniques and materials provides the foundation for a diverse clinical experience. Advanced cosmetic equipment, including the Cerec System for CAD/CAM fabrication of ceramic restorations, is available in the AEGD Clinic. A third area of emphasis is to provide clinical experiences in Community Dental Clinics. These are dental clinics associated with state supported medical facilities for underserved patient populations throughout Michigan. Approximately 60% of the patients in these clinics are children for an excellent opportunity in Pediatric Dentistry. The adult patients offer significant additional clinical experiences in Oral Surgery and Emergency Services. These clinic rotations are an excellent opportunity for residents to develop efficient clinical skills in a group practice environment. The latest techniques for prevention and maintenance will be stressed in managing patients who are at high risk for caries and periodontal disease. The AEGD program also serves as the primary dental service for all University of Michigan athletes. Dr. Fasbinder, the program director, is the team dentist for University of Michigan athletic teams as well as the team dentist for the USA Hockey program. This provides residents a unique exposure to Sports Dentistry. Residents have an opportunity to learn the latest techniques for athletic mouthguard fabrication and emergency services. In addition, residents learn useful skills in developing a sports dentistry aspect to a private practice that can serve to promote a new practice in a communit

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updated on 2/18/2009