Does the program have an adequate patient population?
Yes. We have an abundance of patients who present with interesting and complex medical and dental histories.
Does SIU have specialty programs, and how does this impact the AEGD resident experience?
SIU has specialty programs in endodontics and periodontics. We also offer a fellowship program in dental implantology.
Most AEGD residents find it to their advantage that the school has a limited number of specialty programs. Since SIU has no GPR program, patients with complex medical histories are referred to the AEGD residents. Similarly, in the absence of a prosthodontic program, the residents treat a large number of patients with complex restorative needs.
Do the AEGD residents get much surgical experience?
Residents who have an interest in Oral Surgery generally find this rotation to be very challenging and rewarding. Year I residents spend approximately 8-10 weeks per year in Oral Surgery. Some of their experiences include multiple tooth extractions, alveoloplasties, biopsies, tori removal, and third molar extractions (including bony impactions). Residents are typically very comfortable providing surgical care by the end of the program.
How much clinical experience do the residents get in pediatric dentistry?
About 10% of the resident’s clinical care rotations are spent treating pediatric patients. The Pediatric Dentistry Rotation occurs at the East St. Louis Dental Clinic. Children are seen in other clinics and/or during other rotations (Implant Program, Special Needs Clinic, Oral Surgery Clinic and St. Anthony's Hospital), but in fewer numbers.
Most of the patients being treated for dental implants are adult patients. However, a number of children who are affected by ectodermal dysplasia receive treatment through our Implant Program. The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias is located in southern Illinois, and we work closely with that organization to improve the quality of life for those patients.
The patient population of the AEGD residents at our East St. Louis clinic is primarily comprised of adult patients and children over the age of 12. Residents see patients of all ages for dental emergencies. Patients under the age of 12 are treated by pre-doctoral students.
Many of the patients treated in the Operating Room at St. Anthony’s Hospital are very young children incapable of receiving care in a dental office.
Do the residents get much experience in prosthodontics?
Yes. Since we have no prosthodontic program, the AEGD residents treat many patients needing advanced fixed and removable restorations. This may include veneers, precision attachments and broken stress connectors. Most of the fixed prosthodontic treatment is provided at the Implant and Advanced Education Clinics, but comprehensive care is provided at all locations.
Describe the residents’ implant experience.
The primary focus of the implant experience is in providing restorative care to our patients. Since SIU has a periodontal program and those residents provide surgical care only, a team approach is employed with the AEGD residents providing the restorative care. This experience may include restoring single and multiple implants, including crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and overdentures. The AEGD residents typically get experience in assisting with surgeries such as implant placement, sinus lifts and grafting procedures. They also gain experience in the surgical uncovery of implants, either through assisting or performing the procedure. It is possible for a very motivated, very interested and organized resident to place dental implants, although it is rare. When this does occur, it is generally reserved for Year II residents. First year residents spend approximately 20% of each week in our Implant Program Rotation.
Do the residents get endodontic experience?
Yes. While the lack of specialty programs generally provides an advantage for the AEGD residents, the presence of our endodontic program actually enhances the endodontic experience of our residents. Since both programs share the Advanced Education Clinic, the AEGD residents have access to endodontic faculty, equipment and supplies. We also have the advantage of being able to refer the most difficult cases to the endodontic residents.
Hands-on exercises in rotary endodontics are a component of the AEGD program.
Do the residents perform periapical surgeries?
The AEGD residents generally do not have a large number of patients requiring or desiring apical surgeries. However, if this does occur and the resident has a desire to participate in the surgery, he/she would be partnered with an endodontic resident and would likely assist during the surgery.
Are there opportunities for the residents to perform periodontal surgeries?
Many of our patients require crown lengthening and other periodontal surgeries. A periodontist devoted exclusively to the AEGD program supervises the residents in performing any periodontal procedures and surgeries that their patients require.
What is the composition of the AEGD faculty?
The AEGD program has approximately 20 full and part time faculty members including both general dentists and specialists.