Redesigned AEGD Program to Transform How Oral Health Care is Delivered in Rural Virginia
VCU School of Dentistry is now accepting applicants for its redesigned Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program that will help deliver much-needed oral healthcare to rural communities across the Commonwealth.
The 12- or 24-month program provides advanced education and clinical experience to prepare dental school graduates for a career in the practice of comprehensive general dentistry. The program is designed to expand the scope and depth of the graduates' knowledge and skills to enable them to provide comprehensive oral health care to a wide range of population groups.
Clinical training will take place at one of two major clinical sites - VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic in South Hill, Virginia, or Johnson Health Center Amherst County Community Health Center Dental Clinic in Madison Heights, Virginia.
“We are excited to announce this bold initiative that has the potential to fundamentally transform how oral health care is delivered in rural communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Jeff Johnson, interim dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “This effort reflects years of listening, partnership-building, and strategic planning. It also represents one of the most ambitious access-to-care investments in our school’s history.”
Harmeet Chiang, D.D.S., serves as interim residency program director.
“The VCU AEGD program’s expansion into community-based clinical sites strengthens access to essential oral healthcare for underserved populations,” said Chiang. “By bringing advanced dental training into community settings, the program not only prepares residents for comprehensive practice but also helps address critical gaps in care while advancing VCU’s mission of service and public health.”
Residents will complete the entirety of their clinical training at one site, with academic classwork sessions monthly in person at VCU School of Dentistry in Richmond, Virginia.
“We are excited to welcome dental residents to our South Hill community as a training site,” said Sheldon Barr, MSN, MBA, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. “Establishing a dental residency strengthens our ability to care for the whole patient and the whole family, and it reflects our commitment to growing the healthcare workforce in Southern Virginia. This program fills a critical gap in dental access for our rural communities, and we are proud to support the next generation of dental professionals as they begin their training."
The program provides a unique opportunity for residents to gain hands-on experiences, complex caseloads, and address access-to-care needs. VCU School of Dentistry is committed to helping underserved communities throughout the Commonwealth as part of its mission.
Applications are currently being accepted with a program start date of July 1, 2026. Follow the link to learn more about this opportunity and apply now!
