About the Program
Adam Eisner, DDS, FICD, FACD
Program Director
The Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry is comprised of two programs – a twelve-month clinical track, and a twenty-four-month clinical track (with or without a master’s degree).
The twelve-month AEGD program is designed to improve the residents’ clinical skills and scientific knowledge in the practice of general dentistry. It prepares the residents to assess the patient’s general health status relative to anticipated dental treatment and to plan and deliver that treatment. When specialist care is required, the generalist learns to serve as the principal coordinator. Didactic content, clinical experiential care and practice management are emphasized throughout the academic year. The clinical experience includes a wide range of cases that incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care. The AEGD clinical faculty are trained and calibrated to offer a broad range of instruction in all aspects of general dentistry.
The twenty-four-month AEGD program incorporates all the goals and objectives of the twelve-month program but is designed to expand the educational opportunities for:
• Gaining experience in managing highly complex cases in restorative dentistry
• Improving clinical management skills
• Pursuing areas of individual concentration (e.g.: Aesthetic Dentistry, Digital Dentistry and Implantology)
The twenty-four-month AEGD program with a master’s degree provides the residents with interdisciplinary foundational knowledge in biological and clinical sciences that could lead to career choices in dental practice, academia or dental research.
The overall mission of the AEGD program is to facilitate the transition from the predoctoral dental setting into a simulated group general practice model through advanced training and clinical experiences beyond the level of pre-doctoral program.
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry AEGD program is presented in a state-of-the-art setting that includes:
• A newly renovated clinic space with eighteen operatories equipped with A-dec dental chairs
• A fully computerized electronic patient health record (AxiUm by Henry Schein)
• Digital radiography (Infinitt Pacs)
• Digital dentistry utilizing multiple CAD/CAM platforms
• 3D printing
• A computerized system for aesthetic dentistry and implant planning
• An automated central materials system to provide the necessary sterile instruments
• Implant dentistry with Nobel Biocare
• Surgical microscope
• Diode lasers
• Several hands-on clinic training sessions in crown/bridge, onlays, veneers and surgical simulation with pig jaws
• The AEGD program has a strong patient base, with patient visits totaling 5800 in the most recent academic year
An active research program is a vital feature of the AEGD program. Research projects for the master’s candidates include clinical, laboratory and basic science studies allowing access to the latest dental materials and techniques. The residents also have an opportunity to prepare patient case reports and draft manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Located within a full-service dental school, which includes basic science and clinical education, experienced general dentists and specialists are specifically assigned to the AEGD program and are available as resources to the residents.
The didactic portion of the program consists of a comprehensive seminar series stressing evidence-based dentistry through literature review. All aspects of clinical general dentistry and practice management are covered. A lunch and learn series offer exposure to product information from representatives of dental manufacturing companies. The master’s degree program provides formal courses in basic sciences and research methodology.
Drawing from a large pool of United States and international applicants, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry AEGD program assembles an outstanding and diverse class each academic year. With eleven residents, the program fosters a collegial and supportive environment ideal for advanced dental education.
