Marquette University School of Dentistry has announced the launch of its General Practice Residency (GPR) program, designed to provide graduate education and clinical training to prepare dentists to provide comprehensive oral health care.
The program, which received accreditation from the American Dental Accreditation Commission (CAC) on August 8, will operate in partnership with Aurora Sinai Medical Center, located near the Marquette University campus. This partnership with Aurora Health will enable residents to acquire advanced skills in acute care, inpatient, and multidisciplinary dental care.
“We are excited to launch this new graduate program, which provides early-career dentists with the opportunity to build confidence, better treat complex cases, care for patients with special needs, and adapt to today’s evolving health care environment,” said Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian, dean of the Marquette University School of Dentistry.
“As the only Jesuit dental school in Wisconsin, our services must benefit both our students and the communities we serve. I am grateful to Aurora Health for partnering with us on this important initiative.”
Dr. Nkem Iroegbu, President of Aurora-Sinai Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital-South Shore, Aurora, emphasized the importance of this collaboration.
“Introducing dental services to our hospital, particularly in the Emergency Department, reflects our commitment to expanding comprehensive health care access throughout Milwaukee,” said Dr. Iroegbu.
“This effort advances our commitment to health equity by ensuring timely, compassionate treatment that promotes oral and overall health.”
As part of this initiative, Aurora-Sinai Medical Center will establish a dedicated dental treatment room within its Emergency Department to serve patients seeking urgent care for pain or infection.
GPR residents will rotate through the departments of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine, while also providing care in the School of Dentistry’s patient-centered private practice.
“This program creates tremendous opportunities for our students and the patients they serve,” said Dr. Jeff Zeller, Clinical Assistant Professor of Community Dental Sciences and Residency Program Director.
“Having a dentist in the emergency department is crucial to patient care, and residents gain valuable experience managing complex cases in areas such as endodontics and oral surgery.”
In addition, patients across the Aurora Hospital system will have access to the School of Dentistry’s newly renovated GPR clinic, improving their oral health and contributing to overall healthcare outcomes, including cardiology and women’s health.
The program is open to both School of Dentistry graduates and practicing dentists seeking one to two years of residency training. Residents will provide care to patients at the dental clinics of Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Marquette University.