Pediatric Dentistry Residency 
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Medical University of South Carolina
173 Ashley Ave., Room 347 
MSC 507
Charleston, South Carolina 29425-1260
Phone: (843) 792-3916
Fax: (843) 792-3917
Email: patterki@musc.edu

Program Length and Number of Positions

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

Program Type

Combined university and hospital based certificate program

Application

The Medical University of South Carolina participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program and applicants must apply to this service. The application deadline is September 1 of the year preceding matriculation. Correspondence regarding application and admission procedures should be addressed to:

Dr. Kimberly K. Patterson, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue BSB 347, MSC 507, Charleston, SC 29425, phone (843) 792-3916 fax (843) 792-3917

Description

The residency program in pediatric dentistry is a two-year, university and hospital based program. The primary philosophy of care in the program is the care of the whole child. This program offers a balanced curriculum of clinical and didactic material with the overall goal to provide a broad base of knowledge in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. 

Residents will receive extensive clinical and didactic training in pediatric dentistry including: comprehensive care of both healthy and special needs children and adolescents, restorative dentistry, pulp therapy, periodontal therapy, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic behavior management techniques, space maintenance, orthodontic therapy, growth and development, treatment of patients under sedation, treatment of patients in the operating room under general anesthesia, and management of traumatic injuries and emergency care. Hospital rotations of general anesthesia, pediatric emergency room and pediatric medicine are also part of the curriculum. In addition, a research project and teaching responsibilities are required components of the program.

The program is administered by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and is approved and accredited by the ADA Council of Dental Education. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student is awarded a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and meets the advanced education eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The program is designed to fully prepare the student for specialty practice, as well as to provide educational opportunities for those who desire to pursue a teaching or research career in pediatric dentistry.

Curriculum

The overall philosophy of the curriculum is to educationally prepare residents for the contemporary practice of pediatric dentistry, expanding upon traditional pediatric therapies. The clinical program is supported by a comprehensive didactic foundation. Seminars, lectures and case reviews are used to deliver information on: behavior management, sedation, pharmacology, general anesthesia, dental care in the OR, treating special patients, orthodontic diagnosis, growth and development, oral pathology, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, esthetic dentistry, materials, trauma management, syndromes, speech pathology, practice management, developmental psychology, physical diagnosis, research design and biostatistics, literature review, prevention, infant dental care, cariology and cleft lip and palate care. The pediatric dentistry literature is reviewed in seminars, and current literature is discussed.

A one-month rotation in general anesthesia is provided for all trainees by the Department of Anesthesiology. During this time, the trainee learns the physiology and pharmacology of anesthetic agents, as well as techniques involved in intubation. The rotation includes active participation in general anesthesia. 

An additional four-week rotation is provided in pediatric medicine. During this time, the trainee learns to perform physical examinations and cares for various medical entities treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Program Stipend and Tuition

First-year stipend is $51,998. Second year stipend is $53,658. Tuition is waived. Tuition is waived. All equipment, instruments and supplies are provided by the program. Fringe benefits include malpractice coverage, MUSC Wellness Center membership, Meal allowance, generous annual, sick, & professional leave as well as eligibility to participate in state health insurance & retirement plans. Residents are encouraged to have an intra-oral camera.

Facilities

• Postgraduate Pediatric Dental Clinic – James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine -Medical University of South Carolina The James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Clinical building, completed in 2010, is one of the most advanced clinic facilities in the nation. The clinical facility is fully integrated with an Electronic Health record and Digital Radiography. State of the art technological advances have allowed the Medical University of South Carolina to provide students with the best education possible. 
• Medical University of South Carolina Teaching Hospital clinics

Admission Requirements

• Graduate of an ADA-accredited dental school
• Submit the ADEA PASS application
• Dental education transcripts (through PASS only)
• Minimum of four PEFs
• ADAT Exam – Not required, but accepted
• Submit a CV/Resume (through PASS)
• Submit a 2x2 photo to the program
• National Board Examination Part I prior to application and Part II prior to admission
• Personal interview by invitation
• Active state dental license prior to program start date

Program Strengths

• Comprehensive program in contemporary clinical practice of pediatric dentistry
• Strong didactic and clinical foundation in pediatric dentistry with emphasis on pediatric medicine, hospital dentistry, interceptive orthodontics and conscious sedation
• Off-service rotations in pediatric medicine and anesthesia 
• Large number of patients available, both well and medically, physically or emotionally compromised conditions
• High volume of dental emergency patients seen for orofacial trauma, pain and/or infection 
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Extensive use of various treatment modalities for pain control and behavioral management, such as sedation, analgesia and general anesthesia
• Significant orthodontic curriculum and patient care in growth and development
• Emphasis on hospital based care for special patients, including team management of craniofacial anomalies, oncology pediatric patients, hemophilia and sickle-cell patients

Program Faculty

Kimberly K. Patterson, D.D.S., M.S. Program Director, Pediatric Dentistry*
Cynthia L. Hipp, D.D.S., MSCR, Chair, Pediatric Dentistry*
Erin L. Nichols, D.M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry*
Robert H. Nieders, D.M.D., Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry*
Howard V. Peskin, D.D.S., M.S., Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Dentistry*
Laura F. Shapiro, D.M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry*
Steven D. Shapiro, D.M.D., M.D., Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatrics/Pediatric Dentistry*
Jennifer Berwick D.D.S., Assistant Professor, Orthodontics 
Timothy J. Tremont, D.M.D., M.S. Chair, Associate Professor, Orthodontics*

*Board Certified

School Profile

 

Program Type:	Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time Board Certified
Program Faculty:	3 Full-Time 6 Part-Time 8 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
State Licensure:	Required
Number of Entering Positions:	3
Tuition In-State:
Tuition Out-Of-State:
Salary/Stipend:	51,998 First Year 53,658 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:	1:28
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 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:	1/wk second year Clinic Half-Days 1/wk Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	10 Chair/Operatories 2 Clinic Receptionist 3 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists