The University of New Mexico's Department of Dental Medicine in Albuquerque provides education and enhanced oral health throughout the state by promoting dental education, research and clinical service. As a student in our program, you'll receive excellent training in dental education, and have opportunities to learn in clinical and community health settings, as well as participate in research to improve oral health in New Mexico.
Poor oral health has been linked to a host of health woes, such as heart disease and diabetes, yet too many New Mexicans fail to receive routine preventive dental care. UNM and community health providers continue to team up to address this problem by incorporating oral health into a team-based primary care setting.
The mission of the Department of Dental Medicine is to provide education and clinical programs to train dental professionals in dental education, clinical services, community health, and research to improve oral health in New Mexico.
Our department strives for an inclusive learning environment on campus while providing for our community.
While the UNM Department of Dental Medicine was formed in 2008, its story began in 1962, with the creation of a dental hygiene program within the UNM Division of Dental Hygiene. In 1999, the university began hiring dentists with the goal of beginning a dental residency, and in 2004, the Division of Dental Services started the first dental residency program in the state. The Department of Dental Medicine continues to develop interprofessional collaborations with the College of Nursing, Family Medicine and Pediatrics departments, the Center for Development and Disabilities and maternal and infant programs in the belief that dentists own dentistry, but not oral health.
The University Of New Mexico Department Of Dental Medicine in Albuquerque educates dental residents and dental hygiene providers for New Mexico. Dental Medicine offers a one-year postdoctoral advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency program that's a hybrid between an AEGD residency and a general practice residency. After year one is completed, residents are welcome to apply for a second year of residency. Throughout the course of our AEGD residency, residents have the opportunity to work with a variety of cases and diverse patients. Dental hygiene students are educated at the highest level in dental hygiene so they are able to practice to their full potential with our Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs. Residents and students get hands-on experience at our full-service public dental clinics, while also receiving education and experience.
The Department of Dental Hygiene at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque is the perfect place for Registered Dental Hygienist (RDHs) who are looking to advance their careers and/or procure additional dental hygiene-related certifications.
On top of our Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science degree program and Master of Science tract, we offer a Continuing Dental Education porgram for practicing dental hygienists, dentists, dental technicians and dental assistants.
The dental residency program hosts Journal Club and case presentations throughout the year. Continuing education credits are offered for Dental Medicine courses, which are accredited by the American Dental Association's Continuing Education and Recognition Program. Community dentists are invited to attend. Contact the department for more information.
