Pediatric Dentistry Certificate

Program Description

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry offers a two-year Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry resulting in a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. Residents are trained in the advanced diagnostic clinical techniques necessary to provide specialty care to children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities. Residents are eligible to participate in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certification examinations, upon successful completion of the program.

An option to obtain a Masters in Dental Science (MDS) is available and will require additional coursework resulting in additional time beyond the two-year period.

All facilities within the School of Dental Medicine are available for resident use, and there is a vast Health Science Center Library system housed in the medical school directly across the street from the School of Dental Medicine.

Goals and Objectives of the Program

It is the intent of the program to prepare residents for a career in specialty pediatric dentistry practice, teaching, and community health service in the area of comprehensive oral health care for children, with a particular emphasis on providing quality services for children with special health care needs. The Program is designed to follow the principles, policies and educational requirements set forth in the accreditation requirements in the American Dental Association Guidelines for Advanced Specialty Education Programs and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guidelines for Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry. Learn more about the program’s goals and objectives at Advanced Dental Education and Residency Program in Pediatric Dentistry | School of Dental Medicine.

Curriculum

The multifaceted advanced pediatric dentistry curricula integrate scientific principles and methods with the clinical application of pediatric dentistry. Ample time is provided for either basic science or clinical research. Emphasis is also given to community and dental public health experiences. In addition to the core curriculum for all specialty residents, the following pediatric dentistry specific conferences are offered: For more information, visit https://www.dental.pitt.edu/education/advanced-dental-education-and-residency-programs/pediatric-dentistry.

Rotations

Rotations are scheduled at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) - Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, and the Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Center. For more information, visit https://www.dental.pitt.edu/education/advanced-dental-education-and-residency-programs/pediatric-dentistry.

Application Process

The Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry applications must be filed through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) and the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (MATCH).

For additional information about how to apply to the advanced dental education residency program in pediatric dentistry, please visit our Advanced Dental Education Residency Programs general information page.

Pediatric Dentistry Research

A research project is a graduation requirement for the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.

The following are projects completed, or in progress, within the last five years

Association Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Caregiver-Reported Dental Caries in Children
Child Dental Neglect Laws: State Specifications and Repercussions for Dentists
The Relationship Between Training with a Dental Anesthesiologist and Preference in the Modality of Anesthesia Delivery Among Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists in the United States
Factors Associated with the Agent of Choice for Moderate Sedation
Parental Acceptance of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Outcomes of Single-Surface Restorations Placed in Young Children Receiving Outpatient General Anesthesia
Race and Payer Types for Child Visits with Public Health Dental Hygienist Practitioners
Various Recall Intervals Following Outpatient General Anesthesia Services for Patients with Special Needs and DMFT Scores

For additional information about the residency program in pediatric dentistry, please visit Advanced Dental Education and Residency Program in Pediatric Dentistry | School of Dental Medicine.

The advanced specialty education program in pediatric dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653, or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611. The Commission’s web address is http://www.ada.org/100.aspx.

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