Program goals:

• To provide an academic environment for inquiry in which expertise and knowledge in basic sciences and clinical pediatric dentistry can be achieved

• To provide a sound background in medicine as it applies to the pediatric/adolescent patient and to patients with special health care needs

• To provide a sound background in oral pathology

• To be able to interpret, critique and apply literature associated with the field of pediatric dentistry

• To develop sound diagnostic, clinical, nonsurgical and surgical skills in the clinic and in the operating room

• To provide didactic instruction and clinical training in the area of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic behavior management

• To provide instruction and training in growth and development to include clinical interceptive orthodontic care

• To provide methods of pain and anxiety control, including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation

• To provide an environment for the interpretation and implementation of research

• Enable successful completion of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry exam

• To develop sound lifelong didactic and clinical learning skills

• To provide specialists in pediatric dentistry for community health care, professional service and dental education

Program objectives:

• To be exposed to the basic sciences and be able to apply concepts to clinical pediatric dentistry

• To be able to critically critique and interpret the old and new literature

• To have an understanding of oral pathology and medicine as it applies to management of the pediatric/adolescent patient and patients with special health care needs

• To have residents become exposed to and proficient in multiple nonsurgical and surgical treatment modalities to include treatment of patients under general anesthesia

• To become competent in diagnosis and treatment planning

• To obtain competency and certification in moderate conscious sedation

• To complete research, M.S.D. and prepare a paper for presentation and publication

• To prepare the student to successfully complete Part I and II of the ABPD examination

• To develop communication and presentation skills and lifelong learners