Marquette University School of Dentistry has officially launched its General Practice Residency (GPR) program, designed to provide advanced graduate education and clinical training for dentists seeking comprehensive dental care expertise.
The program, which received accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation on August 8, will be located at Aurora-Sinai Medical Center, located near the Marquette University campus. It is part of a broader partnership between Marquette University School of Dentistry and Aurora Health Care.
According to Dean Elsbeth Kalenderian, DDS, MPH, PhD, the program will train early-career dentists to provide multidisciplinary, acute care, and patient-centered care, particularly for those with special health needs.
“As Wisconsin’s only Jesuit Catholic dental school, we are committed to providing services and programs that benefit not only our students but also the communities we serve,” Kalenderian said.
Aurora-Sinai Medical Center will establish a dedicated dental treatment room in its emergency department, allowing patients experiencing pain and infection to receive immediate relief.
Residents will rotate through anesthesiology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine, working alongside Aurora Sinai physicians and gaining hands-on hospital-based experience.
Dr. Nkem Iroegbu, President of the South Shore Partnership at Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of this program: “By integrating dental care into our emergency department and supporting this residency program, we are promoting equitable access to healthcare for patients in Milwaukee. This program will enhance oral and overall health.”
Residents will also provide care in Marquette University’s newly renovated GPR Clinic, improving the healthcare experience for the Aurora patient population. These services are expected to positively impact community health by addressing the connection between oral and systemic diseases, including in areas such as cardiology and women’s health.
Dr. Jeff Zeller, Clinical Assistant Professor of Community Dental Sciences and Residency Program Director, noted that this program provides dental residents with a unique opportunity to treat complex cases outside of the traditional dental school setting.
“This program will help our residents build confidence in managing advanced cases, especially in high-demand areas such as endodontics and oral surgery,” Zeller said.
This residency program is open to both dental school graduates and practicing physicians and offers one to two years of training.
Participants will split their time between Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Marquette University’s patient-centered dental clinics, learning the skills necessary to meet the growing demand for comprehensive, hospital-based dental care.