Valleywise Health is expanding its dental residency program to boost Arizona’s health care workforce and improve oral health services in underserved areas.
This Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, which started in 2025, recently added three new residents. The program aims to prepare dentists for comprehensive, community-focused care in challenging medical and social situations.
This growth is a big step for Valleywise Health. While it has a strong history of training medical professionals, its dental residency program is a new initiative designed to make a meaningful impact.
Dr. Christopher Brendemuhl, who leads the dentistry department at Valleywise, emphasizes the program’s goal to foster a new breed of dentists committed to serving the community. “We want these dentists to connect with the community and prioritize service,” he says. “Our focus is on those who are eager to help vulnerable populations.”
The residency earned initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in August 2024, paving the way for full accreditation, which would solidify its long-term role in training future dentists.
A major highlight of this program is its team-based care approach. Residents work across various facilities, including Valleywise’s flagship medical center and Federally Qualified Health Centers. This hands-on experience connects oral health with overall health, reflecting the growing awareness that dental health impacts broader health outcomes.
Dr. Brendemuhl notes, “Our program uniquely blends dentistry with medical care, offering a holistic view of health.” Residents participate in rotations at specialized clinics, witnessing how oral health interacts with conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
One of the key training sites is the Comprehensive Health Center in Phoenix, where residents collaborate with other health specialists. The Peoria location provides insights into surgical care, while the McDowell clinic focuses on patients living with HIV/AIDS.
Arizona, along with many parts of the U.S., faces challenges in ensuring access to health care, especially for low-income communities. Valleywise Health’s network of facilities is vital in training dentists ready to serve in these settings.
Since 1952, Valleywise Health has trained health care professionals, positioning its dental residency as part of its mission to meet community needs. “This program is about more than just training dentists; it’s about nurturing a workforce prepared to engage with and understand our community,” Dr. Brendemuhl explains.
With Arizona’s population on the rise, initiatives like the AEGD program are crucial. They help build a workforce focused on addressing health care disparities, ensuring that all populations receive the care they deserve.
According to recent studies, access to dental care significantly improves overall health outcomes. As more dental residency programs emerge, the potential to create a healthier future for communities grows, underscoring the importance of education and access in health care.
