The residency has a didactic curriculum designed to supplement and enhance the residents' learning experiences throughout the year. Listed below are some of the major components of the didactic curriculum.
Each resident participates in 12 patient care conferences throughout the course of the residency, typically one case presentation per resident per month. Patient care conferences provide a valuable opportunity for residents to discuss interesting or challenging treatment plans. Residents work closely with attending dentists to ensure the learning experience is both enriching and meaningful.
Residents participate in academic literature review sessions 12 times per year. Residents are encouraged to select their own topics and journals to review and present at each session. Literature reviews foster a sense of lifelong learning and ensure that residents adapt to changes in oral healthcare. Residents have access to the Summa Health Medical Library if they need assistance finding articles.
Residents have a variety of lectures scheduled throughout the year. Some lectures take place in the morning prior to residents seeing patients, while other lectures take place over the lunch hour. Occasionally lecturers will also provide lunch for the residents. Lectures are provided by speakers from within and outside of the hospital system. Some lecture topics include:
Residents can pursue continuing education throughout residency. Residents are provided with dedicated time off and a stipend to use towards continuing education for opportunities such as conferences, trainings, or seminars. In addition, the Akron Dental Society and a local dental laboratory provide educational opportunities at reduced costs or free of charge. Residents are also able to utilize SPEAR Online Education. Residents are encouraged to pursue continuing education in areas that interest them.
The University of Akron athletic program and the Cleveland Guardians minor league team, the Akron RubberDucks, all utilize the Summa Health Dental Clinic for emergency and comprehensive treatment. Additionally, because the hospital is a vital part of the greater Akron and Summit county area, health fairs and community presentations offer the residents an active role in community outreach.
Residents also have the opportunity to participate in events sponsored by the Summa Health Department of Medical Education, such as the Mini Medical School. This event provides an opportunity for local high schoolers to connect with medical and dental residents to learn more about the field of dentistry and the day-to-day life of a dentist.
