The periodontology and pediatrics residency programs at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health are the best in the United States, according to Universities.com 2022 rankings and reported by Dental examination and Becker DSO.

“This recognition is another outstanding example of how our faculty and staff work with such thoroughness and diligence to deliver exceptional education to our residents,” said Eli Eliav, DMD, Ph.D., Professor and director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. “Among the various criteria used is the diversity of the student body and the faculty, of which we are very proud.”

Ranking is determined by weighing a variety of metrics and algorithms using the latest and most robust datasets from the U.S. government, specifically the Post-Secondary Education Integrated Data System and Dashboard colleges, according to its website.

Dr. Jack Caton, Periodontology Chair

The periodontology and pediatrics residency programs are among EIOH’s 10 advanced and specialized programs where dentists from 96 countries have traveled for training. All 10 programs are fully approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the only agency that accredits post-secondary dental education programs and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A team of Board-appointed peers conduct regular, in-depth site visits to assess all educational and administrative aspects of each program.

In the Periodontology program, residents benefit from using the latest technology to learn how to conduct a fully digital workflow for implant rehabilitations and laser procedures, perform advanced techniques such as extended ridge augmentations horizontal and vertical, dental implants and perioplastic surgeries.

“We have talented faculty who are dedicated to providing a first-class education, which allows us to attract excellent residents,” added Dr. Jack Caton (Perio ’73, MS ’73), President, EIOH Periodontology , “and we have strong management support.

“We have excellent collaboration with prosthodontics and orthodontics, which allows residents to treat very complex cases in a comprehensive way,” said Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida, director of the periodontology program. “They undergo rigorous training in intravenous sedation, which makes them eligible for full licensure upon graduation.”

Dr. Cynthia Wong (right) teaches residents in the operating room weekly.

Dr. Sean McLaren, President, Pediatrics Dentistry, agrees that it is the quality faculty members and their dedication that set EIOH programs apart.

“Everyone here is committed to the EIOH and providing residents with a high quality education, as well as their own professional development,” said Dr. McLaren (GPR ’03, Pedo ’06, MS ’19, MBA ’22 ).

Early adapters of pre-Covid online education, the Pediatric Dentistry Division is made up of several professors who earned their Masters of Education at Warner’s School of Education and, as a result, have transformed the teaching and assessment of the program . Residents receive extensive clinical training to treat a wide range of patient populations, including children from underserved communities, with complex medical needs and other special needs, and in the operating room.

As Dr. McLaren soon begins his new role as Quality, Compliance and Safety Officer and Director of the Office of Quality Improvement and Compliance, he is handing over the baton to his colleague, Dr. Cynthia Wong (Pedo ’13, MS ’15), the department’s director of programs who was named the department’s acting chair.

Dr. Oriana Mapes supervises at EIOH Pediatric Dentistry Clinic

Dr. Wong attributes the success of the program in part to the recruitment process, which aims to seek candidates not only for their academic achievements, but who share compatible values.

“In addition, collaborations with our colleagues at the medical center benefit the residents immensely,” she added. “For example, EIOH pediatric dentistry residents have worked with hematology-oncology residents to help increase awareness and management of painful mouth sores that patients undergoing cancer treatment frequently experience.”

Founded in 1917, the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center is a world leader in research, postgraduate education, and clinical care, and is consistently ranked in the top 10 for NIH/NIDCR funding. .