Advanced Pediatric Dentistry

First year studies emphasize advanced pedodontic theory and clinical treatment of the normal child. Students develop a sound basis in genetics, growth and development, behavior management, physical evaluation, hospital dentistry, anesthesiology, research methodology, statistics, conscious sedation, orthodontics, prevention, pediatric dental literature and so on. Second year studies concentrate on dental care of children with physical, mental or emotional disorders. Over half of the students' time is spent as dental residents at Childrens Hospital and/or Rancho Los Amigos Hospital Students are exposed to operating room procedures, general anesthesia techniques, conscious sedation and medical disabilities and pathologies.

In addition to the two-year program, the advanced pediatric dentistry program offers a 36-month program directed toward training for certification in advanced pediatric dentistry and a Master of Science degree in Craniofacial Biology.

The purpose of this program is to prepare highly qualified specialists in pediatric dentistry who can assume leadership positions in dental education, service to the community, dental research and dental care for the developmentally disabled, medically compromised or handicapped. The structured curriculum of this three-year program offers a strong didactic component in basic biological science and in clinical sciences as well as intensive clinical dental care to infants, children, adolescents or individuals who are developmentally disabled, medically compromised or handicapped.

Interaction with medical and non-medical professionals, with patients, hospitals and the community is experienced through interdisciplinary training that consists of clinical evaluations and treatment of the physical, mental, social and educational problems of patients. Newer knowledge is acquired by conducting an original supervised research thesis project. This project is then presented to the faculty and at other professional meetings and/or in publication. Academic and clinical performance is continuously monitored and recorded.

An individual who elects to apply to the combined program in Craniofacial Biology and Advanced Pediatric Dentistry would submit a simultaneous application to the School of Dentistry and the Graduate School. See the Craniofacial Biology section of this catalogue for further information. The first year of the program would be spent in craniofacial biology and the second and third years spent in the Pediatric Dentistry Program. After successful completion of the Craniofacial Biology Program the student would be reviewed by the Pediatric Dentistry Admissions Committee and admitted into the certificate program. The student must satisfactorily complete the Master of Science Program to be eligible for the Pediatric Dentistry Program.

Required Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Curriculum

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