Dr. Michael Ridlehoover, DMD
Dr. Ridlehoover is an Augusta native and a graduate of Evans High School, Augusta State University, and The Dental College of Georgia. After dental school graduation, he commissioned into the United States Air Force to serve our country, first by successfully completing a challenging Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, and then by serving as a general dentist and deputy dental commander for the 4th Fighter Wing in North Carolina. While serving in the Air Force, Dr. Ridlehoover was rated the #1 dentist at his base for three years in a row and was nominated for Clinical Dentist of the Year for the entire Air Force. In addition, as a Captain in the Dental Corps, he earned Medical Officer of the Year at his base, the Air Force Commendation Medal for his meritorious service, and the Humanitarian Service Medal for his leadership and infection-control expertise during COVID. In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Ridlehoover was tasked by his commanding officers with improving medical readiness for the 4th Fighter Wing. Under Dr. Ridlehoover's leadership, his team improved medical readiness for his base from the worst in the Air Combat Command to the best in the Air Combat Command, earning him the general's coin from the Surgeon General.
In 2021, Dr. Ridlehoover left the Air Force and returned to Augusta to help care for his family. He continued to serve by providing dentistry to disabled veterans at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center until fulfilling his dream of owning his own practice and taking the helm at Advanced Dentistry of Augusta.
Dr. Ridlehoover values spending time with his patients and providing high-quality, comprehensive dentistry in the same caring and professional manner that you and your family have to come to expect. In addition, he understands the importance of continuing his education and has completed hundreds of hours of dental courses, including advanced training in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and dental implants.
In his free time, Dr. Ridlehoover enjoys watching the Atlanta Braves, woodworking, fishing, golfing, and supporting his local church.
What is an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program?
After graduation from dental school and passing the board exam, a dentist can apply for a state license and start practicing immediately. However, a few select dentists apply for and are selected to complete advanced training in order to maximize their knowledge and skills.
During the year he graduated, Dr. Ridlehoover was one of only about fifty dentists from across the nation to be selected by the US Air Force to further his education. During his intensive year of additional training, Dr. Ridlehoover studied under multiple dental specialists and was certified in IV Sedation, advanced oral surgery, forensic dentistry, digital dentistry and much more. He has continued to further his education each year since, completing an externship in head and neck trauma, and earning certifications in dental implantology. His unique and advanced training is an asset to his patients and to the community.