Advanced Education and Residency Programs

Advanced education programs for specialty training in the areas of endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics meet the accreditation requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the eligibility requirements of the respective specialty boards. Candidates seeking admission to these programs must hold a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree or the foreign equivalent, and students who complete the requirements of the program are awarded a certificate of proficiency.

Residency and advanced education programs in comprehensive dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery also meet the accreditation requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery satisfies the requirements of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Students enrolled in advanced education programs are bound by the same rules and regulations that apply to other students of the school of dentistry, and these guidelines are stated elsewhere in this catalog.

Grading System

For the Advanced Dental Education programs, students must maintain a “B” average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) overall Grade Point Average (GPA) at the end of each grading period (semester, trimester, etc.) during the program. An average below 3.0 places the student on academic probation. In most cases academic probation must be removed within one semester in order for the student to continue in the program. However, extenuating circumstances may allow an additional semester for removal of probation. If the overall GPA is not brought up to an overall “B” (3.0) average by that time, the student will be dismissed for academic reasons.

More detailed information on each of the programs follows. Inquiries should be directed to the director of advanced education.

Comprehensive Dentistry (General Practice Residency)

The General Practice Residency Program at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Dental and Dental Auxiliary Educational Programs of the American Dental Association. This one - year (optional second) residency program offers an opportunity for advanced comprehensive clinical experience in a hospital setting, with additional training in the sciences basic to dental practice. The program is structured in such a manner as to take advantage of the strong features of both the sequential and integrated training programs. The ultimate objective is to train dentists to function as part of the hospital team rendering total patient care.

Applicants accepted for this program begin the academic year July 1, and a General Dentistry Residency Certificate is awarded to each resident who successfully completes the one - year program. Those completing the 2nd year will receive an additional certificate. The primary teaching hospitals are the LSU Interim Hospital, formerly University Hospital, New Orleans; Earl K. Long Medical Center and LSUSD’s Dental Clinic located on Perkins Road, Baton Rouge; other affiliated teaching institutions include the Louisiana University Schools of Dentistry and Medicine; Pinecrest Supports & Services Center, Pineville, LA; GNO Supports and Services Center, Gretna; Northlake Supports and Services Center, Hammond, LA.

Off-service rotations are scheduled through Departments of Anesthesiology, the Emergency Department, and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (medical emergency and trauma). In the dental component there are rotations designed to give patient experiences in dentistry for the HIV(+)/Infectious Disease Patient, Dentistry for the Special Needs population of both Geriatrics and patients with Neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities, and elective rotations intended to provide the resident with ample training under specialists’ supervision. This specialty concept is carried over into the general Dentistry segment, where the resident broadens his/her experience in the various dental disciplines. The General Dentistry faculty is augmented by specialists in Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics.

The General Dentistry Resident is thoroughly indoctrinated in hospital organization, protocol and administration, and is trained to care for patients on both an in-patient and out-patient basis. The program prepares the resident for private practice with hospital privileges or for an academic career in Hospital Dentistry.

Applications from graduates of dental schools outside of the United States may only be considered for the one year Special Needs Dentistry fellowship. Successful completion of parts I and II of the National Board Examinations, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and permanent U.S. residency or citizenship are prerequisites for application to the fellowship.

All graduation requirements of a resident’s dental school must be met prior to the start of residency on July 1 or they will be dropped from the program. Any exceptions must be approved by the GPR Program Director. If successful completion of Part II of the National Board Examinations is not one of those requirements and has not yet been accomplished that resident has until December 31 to do so. If that does not occur they will be dropped from the program.