Testimonials

In 2019, I completed an AEGD residency that really prepared me to work in both private practice and community health. The work environment was great—supportive, collaborative, and full of experienced dentists who were always willing to discuss cases and share advice. I gained speed, confidence, and loved it so much that I decided to stay on as a staff dentist for six years after finishing my residency. Plus, living on the Big Island is amazing—there’s so much to enjoy if you love the outdoors and the ocean.

I enjoyed immensely my AEGD residency training on the Big Island in 2018-19. It was one of the most exciting and valuable experiences as it helped me gain clinical confidence in all aspects of general dentistry such as pediatrics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and endodontics. More than anything else, I learned to work hard cohesively with a wonderful and supportive team, take great care of my patients in a diverse and underserved population, and enjoyed all of the fishing and hiking adventures on the Big Island.

I was a resident in Hilo in 2017-2018. My time there was invaluable, not only from a professional standpoint but also from a personal life experience perspective.

Firstly, the dental director was an incredible mentor who instilled excellent professional habits that I carry to this day in my practice. He’s the best boss I’ve ever had, after practicing in three different countries and many different clinics. In addition, my coworkers were very welcoming and helpful, which made me feel comfortable as a new dentist.

Then there’s the perk of being on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I have so many great memories of the Big Island’s beauty: snowy mountaintops, beach campfires under the stars, hikes through the Hawaiian forest and lava fields, and plenty of snorkeling with turtles, beach swims, and beautiful sunsets.

I recommend this program for someone who is looking to improve their dentistry skills in a supportive environment and who also wants to explore the great outdoors.

I had an incredible experience as an AEGD resident with the team from 2017–2018! If you’re considering this program, I highly recommend hopping on the phone with the dental director and visiting the clinic on the Big Island to get a feel for it.

What makes this residency so special is the balance it provides: you’ll gain valuable clinical experience while enjoying everything Hawaii has to offer. I was completely burnt out after dental school, and this program gave me the chance to grow as a dentist while also reconnecting with life outside of work. During my visit, I stayed with a current resident, and the dental director even took us on a fishing trip—it really set the tone for the supportive, laid-back environment you’ll find here.

The clinic itself is welcoming and collaborative. You’re surrounded not only by fellow residents, but also by staff dentists—many of whom are former residents who loved the program enough to stay on. The assistants and front desk staff create a positive atmosphere that makes going to work genuinely enjoyable. Clinically, you’ll see a wide range of cases, including plenty of emergency visits (lots of extractions and open-and-drains), plus the unique “Pedo Fridays,” which really sets this program apart.

If you love the outdoors, camping, and the chance to recharge while honing your skills, this residency is a fantastic fit. It’s a truly memorable year of growth—professionally and personally!

I loved my time completing my AEGD on the Big Island at HICHC. It was the perfect balance of clinical challenge and support—an environment where you’re encouraged to grow, with experienced mentors always there when you need guidance. Choosing this AEGD gave me the confidence and hands-on experience to become a stronger, more well-rounded clinician for my patients. Beyond the clinic, living on the Big Island was a much needed change of pace after the intensity of dental school. The natural beauty of Hawaii, combined with the warmth and hospitality of the local community, made it an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience.

Completing the AEGD program from 2016 to 2017 was one of the most valuable experiences of my career. Coming out of dental school, this program helped me build confidence and refine my skills across all areas of dentistry — from comprehensive treatment planning, emergency management and endodontics to oral surgery, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. The attendings and assistants were patient, kind, and always ready to help, creating a supportive environment that encouraged learning. The hands-on experience and mentorship I received were outstanding, and the wide variety of cases provided excellent preparation for private practice and specialty training.

Living and training in Hilo was equally special. The balance of working four days a week with one day dedicated to exploring the island made it an unforgettable experience. The Big Island’s beauty, friendly community, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure make it the perfect place to grow both professionally and personally.

I’m now a practicing pediatric dentist, and I still carry the skills, confidence, and clinical judgment that were acquired during my AEGD year in Hilo.

Being a resident of the NYU Langone Dental Medicine AEGD on the Big Island was an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. The program offers a true work-life balance; we worked hard in clinic and spent our free time exploring the island’s stunning natural beauty, from beaches to volcanoes and even the neighboring Hawaiian islands. Clinically, we gained extensive experience in all facets of dentistry, especially restorative care, pediatrics, oral surgery, and patient management. Training in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) allowed me to work with underserved communities and make a meaningful impact by providing quality dental care to patients who truly needed it. What truly sets this program apart is the spirit of ohana; from the dental director and the clinic team to our co-residents and attending doctors, there was a deep sense of support, collaboration, and shared mission. I am so grateful to have been part of this residency and can confidently say that it prepared me to be a well-rounded and competent practitioner.

I completed the NYU Lutheran AEGD Residency at what was formally known as Bay Clinic in 2016. The residency gave me exposure to community health dentistry. Many patients had complex and challenging needs. The program director and attending dentists were very supportive. I was exposed to many procedures and was able to improve my skills in extractions and root canals. My speed for restorative procedures also increased. After completing the program, I felt more confident as a dentist and decided to settle down in Hawaii. I worked for a corporate office after residency and was able to keep up with the pace and demand because of my residency training. Now, as a private practice dentist, I still maintain my commitment to serving my patients and community at large. I will always be grateful for my experience at the residency program.

My dental residency experience on the Big Island was incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. The program offers a lot of hands-on clinical experience and opportunities to work closely with everyone on the dental team. There is a genuine sense of community among the faculty and fellow residents, and they truly become your work ohana. Outside of the clinic, living in Hawaii was an amazing adventure. The Big Island is a magical place, and I am always in awe of all of the natural beauty. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to complete my residency at the AEGD program on the Big Island!

Big Island's AEGD residency program remains the most valuable experience of my entire dental career. The program provides high level dentistry, including crown and bridge work, to the underserved community of Hawaii. This unrivaled experience combines an opportunity for learning, personal growth, and provides a connection to the greater community. These skills have carried on with me, making me a better clinician even 20 years later. I cannot imagine a better way to spend one year after dental school than the AEGD residency on Big Island.

I was a resident in 2013–2014 and stayed on as a staff dentist from 2014–2015.

The Big Island AEGD provided me with an environment where I could tackle cases that were out of my comfort zone while having more experienced dentists ready to back me up if I needed help. I got a ton of experience and saw my speed and efficiency really improve. I also fell in love with the Big Island and the wealth of outdoor adventures to be had. I enjoyed my time there so much that I stayed on after my residency as a staff dentist!

I completed the AEGD residency program in 2013.  This program provided me with an exceptional opportunity to grow as both a clinician and a person. Through comprehensive patient care and mentorship, I was able to refine my clinical skills and deepen my understanding of patient relationships.  What truly set this program apart was its sense of community - a supportive, welcoming environment that fostered confidence, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Attending the Big Island AEGD program was one of the most valuable experiences of my life.  The dentistry skills taught were second to none and the dental director is the best friend and mentor one could ever have!  What better way to learn than having fun while doing so in a beautiful environment with the friendliest people.  The support opened up opportunities for a successful career in teaching, private practice, and a happy life. Thank you for a great education and the best memories!

I came out of dental school in 2009 feeling well prepared to start practicing but found that the economy was in pretty bad shape. Participating in the AEGD in Keaau started off as a way for my wife and I to spend some time in Hawaii, get more experience, and look for long term opportunities. What I found in the AEGD program was the ideal environment for rapidly developing the skills I would need to succeed in private practice; above and beyond what I expected. The program provided a huge amount of incredibly diverse and valuable clinical experience, supportive and knowledgeable colleagues, and high quality education via its association with Lutheran Medical Center, NY. The dental director and the rest of the staff graciously welcomed my co-resident and I and introduced us to all of what the Big Island has to offer.  I would definitely recommend this program to anyone in their transition from dental school to general practice, or as a way of gaining experience before continuing on to specialty training.

Completing an AEGD residency immediately after dental school was one of the best decisions I made for my career. The program provided an incredible opportunity to expand my clinical skills across all disciplines of dentistry, from challenging restorative cases to surgical procedures. I treated a wide variety of patients, which helped me grow in both confidence and clinical judgment. The hands-on experience and mentorship I received truly accelerated my development as a clinician. What stood out most to me, however, was the supportive, family-like atmosphere. My co-residents and I formed lasting friendships, and our attendings were approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our growth. The collaborative environment made even the busiest days enjoyable and fulfilling. This program laid a strong foundation that prepared me exceptionally well for my specialty training in periodontics. I carry the skills and values I learned during my AEGD with me every day in private practice. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any new graduate looking to take their clinical and professional development to the next level.