Program Overview
The UW AEGD is a one-year postgraduate residency that bridges the gap between dental school and independent advanced practice. Residents train across the full scope of general dentistry under specialist mentorship at partner community clinic sites across Washington State — emerging practice-ready, confident, and eligible for Washington State licensure.
- Length: 12 months
- Award: Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry
- Training Sites: Community clinics across Washington State
- Mentorship: General dentists and specialists
- Eligibility: Meets pathway requirements toward Washington State dental licensure
- Focus: Comprehensive general dentistry and interdisciplinary patient care
Residents
Over the course of one year, residents develop the advanced clinical judgment and procedural skills needed for independent practice. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a University of Washington AEGD certificate and may pursue the pathway to Washington State dental licensure.
Faculty
Residents train under the mentorship of dedicated site directors, experienced general dentists, and specialist faculty affiliated with the University of Washington School of Dentistry. This collaborative teaching model provides consistent guidance while exposing residents to a wide range of clinical expertise.
Program Goals and Objectives
- Provide comprehensive, patient-centered oral health care, including emergency and preventive services.
- Plan and deliver multidisciplinary care for diverse patients, including those with special needs.
- Manage oral health services using effective practice management and quality improvement principles.
- Work efficiently within interdisciplinary health care teams across varied settings.
- Apply scientific principles, critical thinking, evidence-based decisions, and technology in care delivery.
- Uphold professional ethics, lifelong learning, cultural competence, and adaptability.
- Address community oral health needs through service and outreach.
Comprehensive Clinical Training
Residents provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in community-based clinics throughout Washington. Under faculty mentorship, they develop confidence managing routine, complex, and interdisciplinary cases while serving diverse populations.
Expert Mentorship
Every training site is led by a UW AEGD Site Director and supported by affiliate faculty from the UW School of Dentistry. Residents work alongside general dentists and specialists who provide individualized instruction throughout the year.
Advanced Learning
In addition to clinical care, residents participate in seminars, specialty rotations, and hands-on educational experiences in implant dentistry, oral medicine, pain management, medical emergencies, and moderate sedation.