GPR programs

[DavidShock]

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I'm interested in GPR to gain experience with implants and sedation. Which programs will give me the most experience in a 1 year program?

 

[BuckeyeDDS]

I'm interested in GPR to gain experience with implants and sedation. Which programs will give me the most experience in a 1 year program?

I don't know where you'll get the most experience...but some very good programs are the VA in San Antonio, Jacksoville, FL, St. Petersburg, FL (those three are AEGDs) and Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC. I interviewed at all but San Antonio and am going to Palmetto. I've heard a lot of good things about the program at the Medical College of Georgia as well.

Also, I'm not sure one year anywhere will make you an expert in all situations. But you will certainly have a better feel for the indications, limitations, and treatment planning involved with implants, etc.

 

[gbdental]

Some good programs on the west coast for the mentioned procedures would be Las Vegas, Mare Island VA, Long Beach VA, University of Utah, and there may be some others. Those are the programs I'm the most familiar with and know they have experience in IV Sedatation and Implants. They're all GPR's, which pretty much means you'll get certified in IV Sedation. Implant experience will vary at all sites, but at those you'll place at least 5 and restore a few more.

 

[BuckeyeDDS]

Implant experience will vary at all sites, but at those you'll place at least 5 and restore a few more.

I promise I'm not trying to "one up" any program...just putting some things into perspective. At the Jacksonville and (from what I've heard) the Medical College of Georgia, you will place in the ballpark of 30 or so implants.

Again, I'll reiterate the point. Placing 5 or placing 30 will not make you an expert. But I'm willing to bet you'll be much better at treatment planning them with that sort of experience.

 

[gbdental]

Something else to point out is that VA programs are usually pretty good for placing a lot of implants. The reason: the patients don't have to pay. So, you end up doing a lot of implant retained over-dentures, and single unit implants (instead of FPDs). The problem is that some program directors are more hesitant to let you place implants than others. The key is to find a VA program where the director and his supporting staff are keen on implant placement. The San Antonio VA is a great example.
As a disclaimer, I'm not going to a VA program (I am doing a GPR this upcoming summer), so don't assume I'm trying to "talk them up." I'm just trying to help point out some of the aspects that may help you find what you're looking for.

 

[drczyps]

I am also on the lookout for the best one-year residencies (GPR or AEGD) focusing on implant placement and sedation dentistry (IV preferrably).

I've been researching this for about 6 weeks (not intensely) and have come up with the following as some of the best options:

San Antonio VA (teaches IV sedation)
Jacksonville (no IV sedation)
St. Petersberg
Columbia, SC
Medical College of Georgia
North Carolina Chapel Hill (only once or twice)

If anyone can add to this list, please post your input especially if the program will put me in the position to place somewhere in the vicinity of 25-30 implants during the year. Any input on these or other similar programs would be greatly appreciated. I'm very interested in trying to find a program in NYC or Cali.

NOTE TO SPECIALISTS: I'm not interested in debating who should be placing dental implants, if I ever have a case that I am not comfortable treating, it will be referred. I'm doing this research so that I am more capable of telling the difference between a challenging case and a slam dunk (I want the slam dunks you keep the challenges).

 

[DDS 08]

Hey I was looking into NC, but their website is very vague. Have you been able to find any other info on either their GPR or AEGD. Have if one is better than the other(AEGD or GPR)? I had also heard Denver has a decent program.. Anyone else heard this? Thanks

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

Something else to point out is that VA programs are usually pretty good for placing a lot of implants. The reason: the patients don't have to pay. So, you end up doing a lot of implant retained over-dentures, and single unit implants (instead of FPDs). The problem is that some program directors are more hesitant to let you place implants than others. The key is to find a VA program where the director and his supporting staff are keen on implant placement. The San Antonio VA is a great example.
As a disclaimer, I'm not going to a VA program (I am doing a GPR this upcoming summer), so don't assume I'm trying to "talk them up." I'm just trying to help point out some of the aspects that may help you find what you're looking for.

It is not that way at the VA as you think. Many of these patients have tons of medications, systemic conditions and poor OH. They will not be good candiates for implants. Plus they are older and have multiple teeth missing, advanced resorbed ridges that lend themselves to complete dentures and partials. DP