Dental Residency Program - Whitney M Young Health

About Us

Program Mission Statement

Whitney Young Health’s AEGD Residency Program aims to cultivate the next generation of general dentists who are equipped with advanced clinical skills, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a deep understanding of the ethical, professional, and social responsibilities of dentistry. Our mission is to provide exceptional, patient-centered care while fostering the personal and professional growth of each resident.

Why Pursue a Dental Residency at Whitney Young Health?

As a Federally Qualified and Joint Commission accredited Community Health Center, Whitney Young Health has a strong commitment to clinical quality. Our focus on quality, equitable and accessible care fosters our integrated approach to primary care and general dentistry — setting us apart from other residency programs. Not to mention, our state-of-the-art dental facilities provide a modernized and competitive training and work environment. All in all, your residency at Whitney Young Health will be a robust experience leading to gainful advanced clinical skills, personal and professional growth, a valuable connection to the community we serve, and a future filled with exciting opportunities.

History of the Program

Initiated in early 2023, the Whitney Young Health’s AEGD Residency Program is still in development, with a strong commitment to establishing excellence in dental education. As we continue to build and refine our program, we are focused on creating a comprehensive curriculum and cultivating an environment of mentorship, hands-on clinical experience, and academic rigor. While still in its early stages, our goal is to prepare future dental professionals who will make valuable contributions to the dental community both locally and globally.

Accreditation

In October 2024, our AEGD residency program underwent a successful site visit by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is now awaiting accreditation. We expect to receive full accreditation status by Spring 2025, affirming our commitment to meeting the highest standards in dental education. We are looking forward to welcoming our first incoming residents in July 2025.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded, in-depth education in general dentistry. It combines didactic coursework, clinical training, and hands-on experience to help you refine your skills in all aspects of general dental practice. The program spans 12 months and is structured to balance independence and mentorship in clinical practice, while fostering professional development in all areas of dentistry.

Core Competencies

Our AEGD residency program focuses on developing essential competencies that will shape your future practice, including:

Clinical Skills: Mastery in restorative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics.
Ethics & Professionalism: Understanding the ethical, legal, and social responsibilities of being a general dentist.
Practice Management: Learning about the business aspects of running a dental practice, including financial management and patient relations.
Patient-Centered Care: Delivering high-quality, compassionate care with attention to patient needs and preferences.
Collaboration & Communication: Building effective communication skills for working with patients and interdisciplinary teams.

Clinical Rotations

Restorative Dentistry
Endodontics
Oral Surgery
Periodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Geriatric Dentistry
Specialty Rotations: Opportunities to collaborate with specialists in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, and more.

Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, with years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. Each resident is paired with a faculty mentor who will guide them throughout their training. Here are a few of our distinguished faculty:

Dr. JP Gonzalez-Torres – Dental Residency Program Director
Dr. Kathryn Rothas – Dental Director
Dr. Chelese Moore – Attending Faculty
Dr. Chris Unger – Attending Faculty
Dr. Nathalie Rivera – Associate Dental Residency Program Director

Mentorship

Mentorship is a cornerstone of our program. Each resident is paired with a faculty mentor who provides individualized guidance, support, and career development. Mentorship includes regular one-on-one meetings, clinical observation, and opportunities to engage in faculty-led research. Our goal is to ensure that each resident not only becomes a skilled dentist but also a confident, compassionate leader in the dental field.

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Whitney M. Young’s AEGD Residency Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Hold a dental degree (DDS/DMD) from an accredited dental school.
Have a demonstrated interest in advancing their clinical and academic skills.
Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Meet any specific requirements outlined by CODA.

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: TBD
Interviews: TBD
Start Date: 7/1/2025

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a CV, personal statement, recommendation letter and other relevant documents to aegd@wmyhealth.org

Life as a Resident

Life as a resident in Whitney M. Young’s AEGD program is both challenging and rewarding. You will spend your days balancing patient care, lectures, clinical training, and community service. Residents are expected to manage a wide range of clinical cases under the guidance of experienced faculty, while also engaging in professional development activities. Our program encourages a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring you receive the mentorship and resources necessary to succeed.

Daily responsibilities may include:

Performing patient assessments and treatments.
Participating in seminars, workshops, and research projects.
Collaborating with other residents and specialists in various dental fields.
Engaging in community outreach and service projects.

Expect long hours and high expectations, but also a great sense of fulfillment as you grow into a skilled, confident dentist.

Whitney Young Health Dental Practice at 900 Lark Drive in Albany, NY.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the AEGD Dental Residency Program, please contact us by email at aegd@wmyhealth.org

Dental Residency - Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency Program

Welcome to Whitney Young Health’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency Program.

Program Highlights