| Important
Update: The UCLA School of Dentistry is awaiting approval from
the Commission on Dental Accreditation to extend the combined
pedo/ortho program to 48 months. If approved, this change will
be effective for the entering class of 2004 and will include
expanded training in the management of patients with craniofacial
disorders and the concurrent completion of an MS in Oral Biology.
Program Overview
The objective of this program is to train individuals to
provide complete dental care for the child patient, addressing
active oral disease as well as occlusal or skeletal abnormalities.
Because of the unique nature of dual training, the mission
of the program includes the equipping of individuals for careers
in teaching and/or research in pediatric dentistry/orthodontics
and the preparation of individuals to care for children from
underserved populations. This program is also specifically
focusing on training graduates in the care of children with
craniofacial anomalies.
Length of Program - 48 months (pending approval
from the Commission on Dental Accreditation)
Number of Residents Accepted Each Year - 2
Curriculum
The first year of the program emphasizes didactic courses
basic to both orthodontics and pediatric dentistry (i.e. growth
and development, cephalometrics) and a portion of the Oral
Biology coursework. While the clinical orientation is toward
traditional pediatric dentistry, the student is involved in
the care of orthodontic patients one day a week during the
first year. The second year involves courses basic to orthodontic
therapy and clinical experience increases in orthodontics.
Coursework toward the MS in Oral Biology should be completed
this year. Clinical experience in pediatric dentistry continues
during this year. The third year also focuses primarily on
clinical experience in orthodontics and on completing the
required research project. During the fourth year, clinical
time is equally divided between the Children’s Dental
Center and the Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. Rotations to the
Medical Center are completed this year. The student is on
call approximately once every five weeks.
We encourage those students who have a strong interest in
becoming academicians to pursue a combined residency and PhD.
What to
Expect
Time in the program is divided approximately as shown in
this table:
| |
First Year |
Second Year |
Third Year |
Fourth Year |
| Clinical Sciences |
25% |
25% |
20% |
5% |
| Direct Patient Care |
55% |
55% |
55% |
55% |
| Patient Based Research |
15% |
15% |
20% |
35% |
| Clinical Teaching |
5% |
5% |
5% |
5% |
Rotations to clinics other than Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
include:
- Pediatrics
- Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital
- Head and Neck Clinic
- Anesthesia
- Oral Surgery
- Craniofacial Team Clinic
Upon completion, certificates are awarded in both pediatric
dentistry and orthodontics, with the expectation that graduates
will complete the written portions of both the American Board
of Pediatric Dentistry Examination and the American Board
of Orthodontics Examination. The MS will be conferred by the
Department of Oral Biology in the Graduate Division at UCLA.
Requirements/Pre-requisites
• DDS or DMD from an ADA Accredited dental school.
• Concurrent acceptance to the Oral Biology Masters
or PhD program
• Research experience or demonstrated ability to initiate
and complete hypothesis-driven research
Application
Process
• General Application form issued by the Student Affairs
Office at the UCLA School of Dentistry (Pedo/Ortho does not
participate in PASS)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official National Dental Board Examination scores
• Official undergraduate and dental school transcripts
•Participation in the National Matching Service for
Orthodontics. Contact 416-977-3431.
Timeline
The application and supporting materials are due by September
15th. The MATCH is in December.
Selection
Factors
The applicants should have a sincere interest in pediatric
dentistry and orthodontics with a desire to practice, teach,
or conduct research in both specialties. Special consideration
is given to those with intentions to enter full-time academics
or to treat children with craniofacial anomalies.
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