At Cleveland Dental Institute (CDI), the core of our educational mission is hands-on dental training. Whether you’re aiming to become a skilled dental assistant or a well-rounded resident dentist, CDI gives you real-world, practice-based experience to build confidence and competence. Here’s how:
1. Dental Assisting Program — Practical from Day One
CDI’s Dental Assisting Program is an intensive 11-week course designed to immerse students immediately into clinical settings. From lectures in the morning to practical, hands-on dental training in the afternoon, students learn day-to-day skills under the direct guidance of CDI professionals.
The program includes:
- Operating training—proper use of dental instruments and materials.
- Simulated environments before moving into real patient settings.
- Over 85 externship hours in an active dental practice.
This structure fosters a seamless transition from theory to practice—empowering graduates to step confidently into dental assisting roles. Learn more about CDI Ohio’s hands-on dental assisting program.
2. Residency Programs (GPR & AEGD) — Real Patients, Advanced Techniques
General Practice Residency (GPR)
A one-year program available at our Cleveland offices or our Miami Valley Hospital dental office, the GPR is aimed at fresh dental school graduates, placing residents in CDI’s private practices and hospital rotations, balancing patient care with surgical and specialty experiences.
Residents gain direct exposure to:
- Oral surgery (e.g., wisdom teeth, apicoectomies)
- Endodontics (posterior treatments, root canals)
- Dental implants and restorative dentistry
- Operatory rotations in hospital ORs and emergency departments
This immersive, hands-on structure sharpens clinical judgment, procedural dexterity, and adaptability across diverse care settings.
Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)
The two-year AEGD program, fully accredited by CODA, builds on foundational skills to train dentists for complex, multidisciplinary cases.
Resident dentists train with state-of-the-art tools:
- CAD-CAM (e.g., CEREC), clinical microscopes, 3D imaging
- IV Sedation techniques (Ohio state-certified)
- Rotations through operating rooms and internal medicine departments
Over the two years, trainees progress from supervised foundational care to mastering advanced procedures—such as implant restoration, complex crowns and dentures, periodontal treatment, pedodontics, and orthodontic management. The AEGD program is offered in both Cleveland and Columbus locations.
3. Continuing Education & Master-Level Workshops — Advanced Skill Building
Beyond degree programs, CDI offers CDI Academy courses featuring master-level continuing education and hands-on workshops with experts in fields like implant surgery or oral surgery.
For educators preparing applicants (e.g., for residency bench exams), CDI hosts preparatory workshops combining didactic instruction and practical skill-building—like amalgam and composite restorations, rubber dam application, and RCT techniques. Learn more about our current continuing education courses.
Why Hands-On Dental Training at CDI Works
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-World Readiness | Extensive clinical hours and patient care prepare students to perform confidently. |
| Advanced Technology Usage | Residents gain familiarity with tools like CAD-CAM systems, 3D imaging, and IV sedation. |
| Multidisciplinary Exposure | Rotations in ORs, hospitals, and different clinical settings build adaptability and competence. |
| Expert Mentorship | Guidance by seasoned faculty supports clinical growth and ethical development. |
| Seamless Transition | From classroom to clinic—students evolve quickly into professional roles. |
Cleveland Dental Institute exemplifies the power of hands-on dental training—blending immersive clinical practice with expert supervision and advanced technology. Whether you’re starting in assisting or advancing your career through residency and continuing education, CDI’s programs are structured to build your skills for modern dentistry.
By prioritizing real-life experience, CDI equips you not just to succeed—but to excel in every facet of dental care.
We invite you to learn more about our purpose and connect with us on LinkedIn