Postgraduate Program in Pediatric Dentistry 
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry
Howard University
600 W Street, N.W.
Washington, District of Columbia 20059
Phone: (202) 806-0308
Fax: (202) 806-0354
Email: mthwaites@howard.edu

Program Length and Number of Positions

This is a two year program beginning the first of July of each year. Six positions are authorized for the first-year class.

Program Type

University-based certificate program.

Application

The PASS application is the only application required. There are no application requirement waivers and there is no supplemental application. 
PASS Application
Official Dental School Transcript 
2 PEF Evaluations
National Dental Score Report
ADAT Exam Scores 
2x2 Photo
The program accepts foreign trained dentists. Each applicant must submit their TOEFL stcores through the PASS

Description

The program is school-based with tuition cost of $42, 631 each year. There is no stipend provided. The program emphasizes the application of biological, physiological and psychological principles during the periods of physical and emotional development of the infant, child and adolescent and special needs patient. An appreciation for and understanding of the role of preventive measures, community dental health programs for children, exposure to hospital practice and research are also areas of emphasis.The residents take a series of sequenced graded courses that provide the necessary didactic background for appropriate evidence-based dentistry.

The residents participate in community events which include but are not limited to: Special Olympics Special Smiles, Medical Mission at Home, and Health Science Outreach Program Yes (H.O.P.E. Yes) and the HSC Pediatric Center’s Summer Health Fair. Service is a core value of the University and the Program and the residents provide the much needed service to the underserved and uninsured of the local communities. Participation in organized dentistry is emphasized in the program along with service in the local and global communities.

Curriculum

The program's goals include: 

1. To produce pediatric dentistry graduates who have clinical and didactic experiences that will equip them with the skills, knowledge and competence needed to practice and teach pediatric dentistry.
2. To prepare pediatric dentistry residents to participate in and successfully complete the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) board certification examination and achieve Diplomate status following matriculation from the program.
3. To encourage residents to participate in organized dentistry on a local, state and/or national level.
4. To prepare matriculating postgraduate residents to make meaningful contributions to the body of knowledge through quality evidence based research.

The curriculum is designed to encompass the progressive graded sequence of formal courses and hospital experiences in the theory and practice of pediatric dentistry at the postgraduate level.

The residents participate in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of patients in the various clinics they rotate through during their matriculation in the program. They provide comprehensive and preventive dental treatment to the patients and make appropriate referrals to specialists as needed. The hospital rotations provide the residents with the experience in the areas of anesthesia, trauma, emergency management and medical assessments for the pediatric and special needs patients.

Program Stipend and Tuition

First year tuition and fees is $42,631. Second-year tuition is $42,631.

Facilities

The residents matriculate in a variety of facilities during the 2 years which include the following:
The Howard University College of Dentistry
The Howard University College of Medicine
The Howard University Hospital
The Children’s Hospital National Medical Center
The Spanish Catholic Center
The Prince George’s County Health Department 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have available the following items to be considered for admission:

1. DDS, DMD, or non-U.S. equivalent from an accredited dental school
2. Dental and preprofessional education transcript
3. letters of recommendation
4. National Board of Dental Examination Scores (Part I and Part II)
5. Non-English speaking applicants require the TOEFL/must demonstrate proficiency in the English Language and mastery of concepts of procedures which are basic to the practice of dentistry, if the applicant possesses a foreign dental degree
6. Must possess at least a 3.0 GPA in dental school

Program Strengths

A diverse faculty and staff. Access to various schools and colleges on campus to enhance their interprofessional colaboration and body of knowledge.

Program Faculty

Dr. George P. Thomas Chair *
Dr. Melanie S. Thwaites Program Director *
Dr. LaToya Barham * 
Dr. Stephen Grimm III *
Dr. Debra Jeffries*
Dr. Shorheh Sharif*
Dr. Jennifer Wilson*
Dr. Jonathan Bacon*
Dr. Stella Chukwu*

* Board Certified

School Profile

 

Program Type:	University-based Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time Board Certified
Program Faculty:	7 Full-Time 2 Part-Time 9 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
State Licensure:	Restricted License Available
Number of Entering Positions:	6
Tuition In-State:	42,631 First Year 42,631 Second Year
Tuition Out-Of-State:	42,631 First Year 42,631 Second Year
Salary/Stipend:
Application:	25 Fee October 1 Deadline
Participant in National Matching Service:	Yes
Participant in PASS:	Yes
Only US citizens from ADA  accredited dental schools  considered:	No
US citizens from foreign dental  schools considered:	Yes
Non-US citizens from ADA  accredited dental schools  considered:	Yes
Non-US citizens from foreign  dental schools considered:	Yes
Acceptance Applicant Ratio:	1:15
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 Community Clinics Outreach Public Health Minimal and Moderate Sedations Special Health Care Needs Behavior Guidance
Didactic Experience:	Seminars Literature Review Courses Case Conferences Lectures
Research Requirement:	Data Collection Project
Teaching Experience:	Yes Clinic Half-Days Yes Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	12 Chair/Operatories 1 Clinic Receptionist 3 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists