Program Overview

The Program in Pediatric Dentistry is designed to produce strong academically based Pediatric Dentists who may choose to pursue a career in teaching, private practice or both.

Students receive training in all areas of Pediatric Dentistry, including hospital care, behavior management, craniofacial growth and orthodontics, the use of various sedation modalities, and research methodology. A completed research project and comprehensive report of publishable quality based on original research in an associated area is required to finish the program.

Individuals who complete this training will be eligible to qualify for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination and certification.

Length of Program - 27 months

Number of Residents Selected Per Year - 5

Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Education of the American Dental Association

Curriculum

The didactic core of the program is offered by the faculty of the UCLA School of Dentistry. The core courses are those prescribed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These courses are presented in both lecture and seminar form. A rotation through anesthesia is mandatory and will be done at the UCLA Health Science Center.

Clinical experience will be gained at the UCLA Children's Dental Center and at various clinics. The course of study includes basic clinical procedures, clinical experience with physically and emotionally challenged children, pediatric assignments and hospital procedures, operating room experience utilizing general anesthesia, seminars in pediatric diagnosis, and clinical practice. For more information about our clinic, please visit the UCLA Children’s Dental Center web pages at www.dent.ucla.edu/patients/cdc.

The resident will also be required to complete a research project.

What to Expect

In the first year, didactic and laboratory courses will involve thirty percent of the students’ time, with clinical experience utilizing sixty percent of time. Seven percent of time is allotted to research and library work. In the second year, didactic time is approximately twelve percent, clinic time seventy percent, and research and teaching time will be approximately ten percent. Electives are available for students who wish to pursue additional experience and training.

Requirements/Pre-requisites

• DDS or DMD from an ADA accredited dental school.
• Above average academic achievement.
• Research experience, preferred not required.
  

Application Process

• Secondary General Application.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Personal statement.
• Participation in the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS).
• Participation in the National Matching Service for Pediatric Dentistry. Contact 416-977-3431.
• Official National Dental Board Examination scores.
• Official undergraduate and dental school transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation from formal teachers or professional associates. One should be from the Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the school of Pre-doctoral dental education.
• Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.
  

Timeline

The application and supplementary materials must be submitted by August 15 to pass. Applicants selected for the program will be notified by letters of acceptance after the MATCH results are announced. The acceptance must be confirmed in writing within thirty (30) days following the notification in order to reserve a place in the class. Acceptance after the MATCH results are confirmed is granted only if vacancies exist in the class and applicants of high quality are available to fill the vacancies.

Selection Factors

GPA and class rank (if available).
Research experience.