Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Program Mission
To provide comprehensive, patient-centered oral healthcare services to underserved and rural communities, while nurturing the growth and development of future dental professionals.
Purpose
CAC, VVHC’s program is a 1-year program beginning on July 1. The program will provide a clinically focused experience beyond dental school in a rural, health center. Residents will be provided with a wide range of patient experiences and procedures. Faculty will be made of general dentists and specialists representing a range of expertise.
Goals and Objectives
1) Act as a primary care provider for individuals and groups of patients. This includes providing emergency and multidisciplinary comprehensive oral health care; providing patient focused care that is coordinated by the general practitioner; and directing health promotion and disease prevention activities.
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2) Plan and provide multidisciplinary oral health care for a wide variety of patients including patients with special needs.
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3) Manage the delivery of oral health care by applying concepts of patient and practice management and quality improvement that are responsive to a dynamic health care environment.
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4) Function effectively and efficiently in multiple health care environments with interdisciplinary health care teams.
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5) Apply scientific principles to learning and oral health care. This includes critical thinking, evidence or outcomes based clinical decision making, and technology-based information retrieval systems.
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6) Utilize the values of professional ethics, lifelong learning, patient centered care, adaptability, an acceptance of cultural diversity in professional practice.
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7) Understand the oral health needs of communities and engage in community service.
Support from Auxiliary Staff
Each resident is assigned one dedicated operatory. Residents will work closely hygienists, dental assistants, and expanded functions dental auxiliaries (EFDA).
Costs and Funding
AEGD residents receive a stipend while in enrolled in the program. CAC, VVHC offers a wide range of benefits beyond a salary.
Benefits
Information Coming Soon!
Application Guidelines
All applicants must hold a DDS, DMD or equivalent degree from a CODA accredited US or Canadian dental school prior to admission to the program.
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Applications are processed using the ADEA Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) system.
Location
7777 US Highway 23
Piketon, Ohio
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(740) 289 - 3508
Why You Should Choose a Residency in a Rural Health Center?
A residency with the Community Action Committee of Pike County and Valley View Health Centers offers far more than clinical experience — it offers a unique blend of professional growth, community connection, and meaningful service.
1. Affordable & Convenient Housing
Relocating for residency is easier when your housing needs are already supported. CAC and VVHC work to connect residents with safe, affordable housing close to our facilities, making your transition seamless and stress-free. This ensures you can focus on patient care and learning without the burden of long commutes or high rent.
2. Becoming Part of the Community You Serve
Rural healthcare is deeply personal. You won’t just be a dentist here — you’ll be a trusted neighbor, a familiar face at local events, and a valued member of a community that genuinely appreciates your work. Your patients will remember your name, greet you at the grocery store, and share their gratitude in ways that remind you why you chose dentistry in the first place.
3. Immediate Impact as a New Dentist
In rural areas, the arrival of a new dentist is a game-changer. You’ll be filling a critical gap in access to care, often providing treatment to patients who have gone years without seeing a dentist. Every day, you’ll see tangible results — a patient relieved from pain, a smile restored, or a life improved through preventive care and education.
4. Building Core Values & Leadership Skills
The partnership between CAC and VVHC offers a professional environment that instills leadership, ethical decision-making, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. You’ll gain the confidence and skill to manage complex cases, work with multidisciplinary teams, and build the professional demeanor that will serve as the foundation for your career — whether you choose to stay in rural health, join a large practice, or open your own.
5. Serving Patients Who Need You Most
This residency will bring you face-to-face with patients from all walks of life — many facing significant barriers to oral healthcare. Here, you’ll learn the art of compassion in dentistry, understanding not just the clinical needs, but the human stories behind every case. You’ll gain a deep sense of fulfillment knowing your work is making a life-changing difference.
6. A Career-Defining Experience
Your time here will shape your approach to dentistry for years to come. You’ll leave with exceptional clinical skills, strong leadership qualities, and a clear understanding of the profound impact one dentist can have on a community.
In short, choosing this residency means choosing a year that will challenge, inspire, and prepare you — not just as a dentist, but as a leader, advocate, and compassionate healthcare provider.
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Contact us today to discuss your participation in this opportunity and future at Valley View Health Centers and Community Action Committee of Pike County.