Linking postdoctoral general dentistry programs with community‐based clinical care settings

Abstract

This article presents the results of a small workgroup convened by the American Association of Dental Schools to examine experiences related to establishing and conducting dental education programs that have significant affiliations with community‐based clinical care settings. The workgroup meeting is a component of the association's effort to identify and promote innovative and non‐traditional methods by which the number of postdoctoral general dentistry (PGD) positions can be increased to meet current demand for PGD education. The participants identified factors and conditions believed to be critical to successful program linkages. The information should be helpful to others as they consider opportunities to establish PGD programs or increase their number of PGD training positions.

Should PGY‐1 Be Mandatory in Dental Education? Two Viewpoints

“…Obviously, PGY‐1 cannot be viewed as the sole solution to improved access to care and the burden of access to care issues should not be placed on new graduates; however, if integrated well, PGY‐1 can be an effective way of giving back to the community on the part of the dental profession while simultaneously enhancing the clinical experience of the students. Two reports published in the late 1990s linked PGD programs with community‐based clinical care and managed care programs 13 , 14 . The studied programs focused on much needed primary care in both settings and offered excellent opportunities for trainees to integrate their knowledge and skills in the provision of comprehensive oral health care.…”