aoea_logo_jpg

Advanced Operative Educators Alliance

AOEA

It is with enthusiasm and a great sense of pride that we announce the creation of the ‘Advanced Operative Educators Alliance’ (AOEA) formed by Advanced Education Program Directors in Operative/Restorative, Cariology and Biomaterials, of the following institutions and representatives:

University of Iowa (Dr. Sandra Guzman-Armstrong)
University of Michigan (Dr. Gisele De Faria Neiva)
Boston University (Dr. John Ictech-Cassis)
University of California Los Angeles (Dr. Thomas Lee)
University of Florida (Dr. Patricia Pereira)
Indiana University (Dr. Oriana Capin)
University of North Carolina (Dr. Bert Vasconcellos)
University of Southern California ( Sillas Duarte Jr.)
TUFTS University (Dr. Gustavo Mahn Arteaga))

Background

The AOEA convened for the first time at the University of Iowa in Iowa City on November 2-3, 2023, with the purpose of supporting the field of Operative Dentistry, Cariology and Biomaterials as a special interest group and representing the needs and interests of the respective Advanced Education Programs in the US. The main purpose was to deliberate and delineate the focus and objectives of this organization.

During our inaugural meeting, we had the honor of hosting three members of ABOD: Dr. Gordon Jones, Dr. Jan Mitchell, and Dr. Justine Kolker. Their valuable contributions sparked discussions regarding the ABOD exam, as we aspired to collaborate in efforts to stimulate greater interest among the residents to pursue board certification.

One of our primary objectives was to establish collaborative efforts towards re-submitting a request for CODA accreditation of Operative Dentistry, Cariology and Biomaterials as a special interest area of General Dentistry. With the collaboration of Dr. Gordon Jones (representing AOD) and Dr. Jan Mitchell, AOEA worked diligently to accomplish this important milestone: CODA approved the accreditation request in 2025!

Our Mission

The mission of the AOEA alliance is to create a supportive organization for the US Advanced Education Programs in Operative Dentistry, Cariology and Biomaterials. This alliance aims to serve as a catalyst for increased cooperation, fostering collective growth and the continued improvement of the respective programs.

Our Vision

To support the Operative, Cariology, and Biomaterials special interest group, representing the needs and interests of the US Advanced Education Operative Dentistry Programs within organized dentistry, and to the public. We aim to provide opportunities for dialogue, education, advancement, and improvement through meetings, educational activities, communications, publications, and other programs and activities.

Our Goals

Achieve consensus among all participating advanced programs regarding the essential educational skills that residents should acquire by graduation.
Establish agreement on the core curriculum and standards for operative dentistry, cariology, and biomaterials across all participating advanced programs.
Facilitate the sharing and coordination of curriculum development efforts on a national scale.
Collaborate on the creation and dissemination of teaching materials for advanced residents in operative dentistry, cariology, and biomaterials.
Set uniform standards for evaluating resident performance.
Foster new channels of communication among residents.
Reach consensus on admission criteria for new residents across all participating advanced programs.
Discuss strategies for enhancing recruitment efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the programs.
Develop a partnership with the Academy of Operative Dentistry.
Establish collaboration with the American Board of Operative Dentistry (ABOD).
Support the accreditation process and contribute to its ongoing improvement.