University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky General Practice Residency (GPR) program provides comprehensive training in general dentistry with a focus on the management of medically complex patients in a hospital-based setting. Residents gain certification in moderate IV sedation and receive in-depth training in implant dentistry, including both surgical and freehand implant placement. The program includes a dedicated endodontics course utilizing the WaveOne Gold system, as well as training in digital dentistry through 3Shape software and CoDiagnostix for guided implant placement. These are among several specialized training opportunities offered, with additional courses incorporated throughout the year. Residents treat pediatric patients in collaboration with pediatric dentistry residents and also manage adult patients in the operating room under general anesthesia. The program includes a strong didactic component with lectures held throughout the year and both on-site and off-site clinical rotations. These rotations include periodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, medicine, anesthesia, VA, mobile unit, and orofacial pain. Residents also take part in on-call responsibilities, gaining valuable experience working alongside a variety of medical and dental specialties in a multidisciplinary care environment.

General Practice Residency Program Goals & Objectives:

GPR residents are required to meet all established clinical requirements to successfully complete 
the program and be eligible for graduation. Competency is determined using the GME Resident Job 
Functions and the Standards of Residency, which serve as the guiding framework for evaluating 
clinical performance, professionalism, and overall readiness for independent practice. These 
Standards ensure that residents demonstrate proficiency across all core areas of general dentistry. 
including comprehensive care, specialty procedures, and the management of medically complex 
patients. 

These goals and objectives are met through continuous formal and informal faculty, resident, and 
staff interactions, feedback, and updated core didactic and clinical aspects of the program.  

Goal 1: Comprehensive General Dentistry Competency 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of contemporary general dentistry 
• Provide comprehensive care for patients with diverse dental needs 
• Develop and implement sequenced treatment plans 
Outcome Measures: 
• Treatment planning seminar evaluations 
• Case presentation competency assessments 
• Clinical productivity and procedure mix 

Goal 2: Management of Medically Complex and Hospital-Based Patients 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Provide care for medically complex patients in outpatient and inpatient settings 
• Perform inpatient consults and deliver care in the operating room 
• Manage patients admitted for dental treatment 
Outcome Measures: 
• Hospital consult logs 
• OR case participation tracking 
• M&M conference cases involving medically complex patients 

Goal 3: Interprofessional Collaboration & Consultation 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Request and interpret medical and dental consultations 
• Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals 
• Incorporate consultation findings into patient care 
Outcome Measures: 
• Chart audits (consult documentation) 
• Faculty evaluations 
• M&M communication-related cases 

Goal 4: Sedation and Pain Management Competency 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Safely administer and monitor oral, inhalation, and IV sedation 
• Recognize and manage sedation-related complications 
• Demonstrate appropriate patient selection for sedation 
Outcome Measures: 
• Sedation case logs 
• Emergency simulation performance 
• M&M sedation-related case review 

Goal 5: Emergency Management and Dental Trauma 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Diagnose and manage dental trauma 
• Provide appropriate emergency care 
• Identify cases requiring referral and initiate timely referral 
Outcome Measures: 
• Emergency case logs 
• Trauma case reviews 
• M&M emergency/trauma cases 

Goal 6: Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, and Risk Management 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Identify and analyze complications and adverse events 
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives 
• Apply risk reduction strategies in patient care 

Outcome Measures: 
• M&M conference participation 
• Complication tracking logs 
• Infection control and documentation audits 
Goal 7: Practice Management and Cost-Effective Care 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Deliver cost-effective dental care 
• Understand financial aspects of patient care delivery 
• Utilize resources efficiently 

Outcome Measures: 
• Treatment acceptance rates (if available) 
• Case completion rates 
• Faculty evaluation of treatment planning appropriateness 

Goal 8: Lifelong Learning and Adaptability 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Demonstrate awareness of evolving trends in dentistry and healthcare 
• Incorporate new knowledge into clinical decision-making 
• Engage in self-assessment and continuous improvement 
Outcome Measures: 
• Seminar participation 
• Evidence-based case presentations 
• Self-assessment exercises 

Goal 9: Professionalism and Community Responsibility 
Objectives: 
Residents will: 
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior 
• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care 
• Serve as a resource to the dental and healthcare community 
Outcome Measures: 
• Faculty evaluations 
• Patient feedback (if available) 
• Community engagement activities