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NEW ADVANCED PROGRAM TAKES
FLIGHT
The School of Dentistry recently received preliminary provisional approval from the Commission for Dental Accreditation to create an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) certificate program. The first new program created since 1980, the AEGD program will begin classes in July with an inaugural class of six to eight residents. Developed by Roseann Mulligan, Lynette Kagihara and Ellen Morris, the one-year program offers its residents training in advanced dentistry techniques, rendering comprehensive care, interacting with dental auxiliary personnel and in practice management. “It offers an experience between the D.D.S. degree and an advanced specialty certificate that gives participants a broader educational base from which to begin their careers,” explained Mulligan, who will serve as director of the fledgling program.
Initially, the new program will be housed on the first floor of the dental school, however, Mulligan sees the program extending well beyond the confines of the Norris building. “Naturally, I see the AEGD residents getting out into our community venues, really becoming involved in our extramural locations. In addition, we are building the University Village Oral Health Center with a strong AEGD presence,” said Mulligan. A section of the new facility at University Village, which will serve the entire USC community, will be dedicated to the AEGD program.
Kagihara developed the curriculum of the new program based on thirty years of educational and private practice experience. The program concentrates on areas which will maximize the resident’s ability to deliver comprehensive care in an efficient and effective manner. It will feature advanced classes in diagnosis, surgery, oral sedation, general anesthesia, implant dentistry and pharmacology, to name a few. “I think the AEGD program really prepares the student to be successful in the increasingly competitive environment of general practice dentistry,” said Kagihara.
Under guidelines established by the Commission for Dental Accreditation, the program has all the criteria to meet ADA specifications and will be formally reviewed during a site visit within the first year of the program. Kagihara and Mulligan are working with Sandra Bolivar and the staff in the admissions office to actively recruit and interview applicants. In addition, all are awaiting word to hear if general medical education funds (GME) will be available to provide future stipends for AEGD residents.
“We are going to make this a premier program. Three to five years from now, we want to be considered the best advanced education in general dentistry program in the country,” said Kagihara. Students interested in the AEGD program should contact the office of admissions at x02841.
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