Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry 
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine
Augusta University, The Dental College of Georgia
1430 John Wesley Gilbert Drive
Augusta, Georgia 30912-7190
Phone: (706) 721-2716
Fax: (706) 721-1893
Email: rrockman@augusta.edu

Program Length and Number of Positions

This is a 24-month program beginning July 1 of each year. Four new positions are offered each year.

Program Type

University-based certificate program with option for a Master of Science in Oral Biology or Doctor of Philosophy in a basic science

Application

The application deadline is September 1 of the year preceding matriculation. Correspondence regarding application and admission procedures should be addressed to:

Dr. Roy Rockman, Director, Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry, Augusta University, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-1210. 

Description

The Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry is based at Augusta University, The Dental College of Georgia. A substantial portion of clinical care is provided in hospital settings. Approximately 2,500 hours of each resident's program is devoted to patient care in the Augusta University Pediatric Dentistry Clinic. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, upon completion, the resident receives a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and meets the advanced education eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Curriculum

Approximately 1,000 hours are spent in formal course work or hospital rotations. The curriculum involves in-depth investigation and inquiry into the topics critical to pediatric dentistry. Twenty-five pediatric dentistry courses, as well as clinical and basic science core courses, are taken by the pediatric dentistry resident. Hospital rotation experiences include: anesthesiology, pediatrics, and hemophilia. Residents devote 10 percent of their time to a clinical or laboratory research project. During the second year of the program, residents participate in 200 hours (1 half-day per week) of undergraduate clinical teaching and supervision.

Program Stipend and Tuition

First-year stipend is approximately $26,000. Second-year stipend is approximately $32,000. No tuition is charged. All equipment, instruments and supplies are provided by the program. Professional liability and health insurance are provided. Residents receive 12 days of vacation, 12 days of sick/medical leave, 10 days of educational and 5 days for continuing education each year. Additional benefits include registration and travel for continuing education courses (which may include the AAPD course "Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry") and the AAPD annual session, registration for the ABPD qualifying examination and registration for Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Facilities

• Augusta University, Department of Pediatric Dentistry 
• Augusta University Children's Hospital of Georgia

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to be considered for admission: 

• D.D.S. or D.M.D. 
• Dental and pre-professional education transcripts 
• Four letters of recommendation (one from dean of dental school)
• Personal interview 
• Letter describing interest in pediatric dentistry 
• National Board Dental Examination results 

Program Strengths

• Extensive clinical experiences in varied clinical settings, including the operating room, with the opportunity to provide care to children with special needs
• Strong didactic background
• Option for pursuing Master of Science degree in accordance with academic career objectives of candidate 

Program Faculty

Bruce Riggs, D.M.D., * Assistant Professor/Director, Pre-doctoral Program
Carole Hanes, D.M.D.,* Professor/Associate Dean for Students, Admission and Alumni
Roy Rockman, D.D.S.,* Assistant Professor/Director, Advanced Education Program
Tara Schafer, D.M.D., M.S.,* Associate Professor/Chair
Steven Adair DDS, Emeritus Professor (part time)
John Ambrose DMD, Clinical Instructor (part time)
Shelley Berganske, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Jason Bongiovi, DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Jovas Booker, DMD, Clinical Instructor (part time)
David Bradberry, DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Emily Bradley, DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Ron Fields, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Adam Hagan, DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
George MacMaster DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Aksana Marshall, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
June Murakaru-McCollum, DMD*, Clinical Instructor (part time)
Leigh Ann Patel, DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Brandon Pennington, DMD, Clinical Instructor (part time)
Ben Popple, DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Tisha Ross DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Ken Sellers, DMD, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Andrew Shoemaker, DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Jennifer Stevens, DMD, Clinical Instructor (part time)
Jason Turner DMD*, Clinical Instructor (part time)
Jennifer Turner DMD*, Clinical Assistant Professor (part time)
Ryan Vaughn, DMD*, Clinical Instructor (part time)

*Board certified 

School Profile

 

Program Type:	University-based Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time
Program Faculty:	3 Full-Time 22 Part-Time 21 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
State Licensure:	Required
Number of Entering Positions:	4
Tuition In-State:
Tuition Out-Of-State:
Salary/Stipend:	26,000 First Year 32,000 Second Year
Application:	September 1 Deadline
Participant in National Matching Service:	Yes
Participant in PASS:	Yes
Only US citizens from ADA  accredited dental schools  considered:	Yes
US citizens from foreign dental  schools considered:	No
Non-US citizens from ADA  accredited dental schools  considered:	No
Non-US citizens from foreign  dental schools considered:	No
Acceptance Applicant Ratio:	1:25
Clinic Experience:	Orthodontics Conscious Sedation Hospital Rotations General Anesthesia Emergency Call Operating Room Oral Surgery Infant Oral Health Medically Compromised Mentally Disabled Craniofacial Disorders Physically Disabled
Didactic Experience:	Seminars Case Conferences
Research Requirement:	Data Collection Project
Teaching Experience:	1 Clinic Half-Days Yes Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	7 Chair/Operatories 2 Clinic Receptionist 5 Dental Assistants 0 Dental Hygienists