SIU School of Dental Medicine

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Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)

Overview Program Information Clinics and Rotations Admission FAQ

FAQ

Do you require an Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) score to apply to your AEGD program?

We accept ADAT scores, but we do not require them. A candidate’s application would not be negatively affected if they do not have an ADAT score.

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.

Do the school clinics employ digital radiography?

Yes. All the SIU School of Dental Medicine clinics utilize digital radiography.

Upon completion of the program, will residents receive certification in IV sedation?

Residents will have received the necessary course hours through our conscious sedation class, but will not necessarily receive certification. To receive certification, residents will also need to complete a minimum number of clinical cases and prove to our dental anesthesiologist that they are competent at this procedure.

Does SIU have specialty programs, and how does this impact the AEGD resident experience?

SIU School of Dental Medicine offers advanced education programs in Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, and an Implant Fellowship. These programs have significantly enhanced the educational experience for AEGD residents by fostering an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. AEGD residents work closely with specialty residents and faculty through consultations, treatment planning, and collaborative patient management, providing valuable exposure to a broad range of complex cases and specialty expertise.

While these specialty programs expand the educational resources available to our residents, the AEGD program continues to provide extensive experience in comprehensive patient care. Because SIU does not have a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Prosthodontic residency program, patients with complex medical histories and advanced restorative needs are routinely referred to the AEGD residents. In addition, AEGD residents continue to manage a wide variety of periodontal conditions in collaboration with the Periodontics program, allowing them to develop competency in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal care while benefiting from specialist consultation.

The addition of these advanced education programs has expanded the number of specialty faculty, increased opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, and broadened the scope of care available to our patients, ultimately creating a richer and more comprehensive educational experience for AEGD residents.

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; the Advanced Care Clinic in Alton; and two additional area hospitals. Children are seen in other clinics and/or during other rotations (Special Needs Clinic and Oral Surgery Clinic), 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 typically treated by pre-doctoral students. However, if oral sedation is required, the patients are referred to the AEGD residents for care.

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. This experience may include restoring single and multiple implants, including crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and overdentures. The AEGD residents typically get experience with surgeries such as implant placement, sinus lifts and grafting procedures. They also gain experience in the surgical uncovery of implants. It is possible for a very motivated, very interested and organized resident to place numerous dental implants. First year residents spend approximately 10-20% of each week in our Implant Program.

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?

Since we have no Graduate Periodontal Program, the AEGD residents treat many patients needing advanced periodontal treatment. Many of our patients require crown lengthening and other periodontal surgeries. Periodontists assigned to the AEGD program supervise the residents in performing any periodontal procedures and surgeries that their patients require.

Do the residents get orthodontic experience?

The orthodontic experience each resident is exposed to clinically is dependent upon the resident's assigned patients. Orthodontists are routinely consulted in cases where orthodontics would improve the patient's restorative experience and prognosis.

Do I have to use PASS to apply for your AEGD program?

No, you are not required to use PASS to apply for our AEGD program. There are separate instructions on our Admissions Information page for using PASS to apply, and also for applying without PASS.

Does your AEGD program participate in the Match?

No, our AEGD program does not currently participate in the Match.

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.

Is there a charge for tuition?

No, there is not a charge for tuition. However, incoming Year I residents are required to pay $81.00 for verification of clinical requirements and a drug test. All residents may also purchase a one year parking permit for $203.00 (price subject to change at the start of each academic year).

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.