Postdoctoral Program in Pediatric Dentistry
Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health
College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
Phone: (901) 448-6260
Fax: 901-448-3817
Email: mwells@uthsc.edu
Program Length and Number of Positions
A 24-month certificate program and optional 30-month Master’s Dental Science Degree program commencing on or about July 1 of each year. Four new positions are available each year.
Program Type
University-based, hospital-affiliated certificate program with optional Master of Dental Science degree (M.D.S.).
Application
The application deadline is September 1 of the year preceding matriculation. Correspondence regarding application and admission procedures should be addressed to Ms. Glenda Rhea, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, 875 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, telephone (901)-448-6260. Email: grhea@uthsc.edu
Description
The residency program in pediatric dentistry is a two-year, university-based, hospital-affiliated program with a Master’s Dental Science Degree option. The program combines clinical training with evidenced based studies of both clinical and basic sciences as related to pediatric dentistry. All instruction is conducted within the Colleges of Dentistry and Graduate Health Sciences, which are part of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Residents are assigned to various university-affiliated hospitals and clinics for patient care. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits the program and persons completing the program meet the advanced education eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Upon successful completion of the two-year residency program The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry awards a certificate of Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry. In addition upon acceptance, completion, submission, defense of a completed research paper and in fulfillment of requirements of the College of Graduate Health Sciences students will receive the Master of Dental Science degree (M.D.S.). The overall program is designed to fully prepare the student for specialty practice, as well as provide educational opportunities for those who desire to pursue a teaching or research career in pediatric dentistry.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes training in advanced diagnosis, trauma, prevention services, and comprehensive treatment for healthy children and adolescents as well as medically compromised and developmentally disabled pediatric patients. The curriculum includes both basic sciences and clinical courses, which are necessary for the development of the competent pediatric dentist. Appropriate behavior management, including non-pharmacological techniques, sedation, hospitalization and general anesthesia, are extensively covered in the curriculum. Instruction in growth and development, cephalometrics, and limited orthodontic treatment is presented over the two-year period. The evidenced based didactic program includes such basic sciences as oral pathology, biostatistics/epidemiology, immunology/microbiology, research design, gross anatomy and pharmacology. Lectures and seminars are presented on clinical pediatric dentistry, cephalometrics, interceptive orthodontics, growth and development, child behavior management, conscious sedation, dental materials, oral pathology, review of the literature, genetics, pediatric medicine and anesthesia. Resident rotations in pediatric emergency medicine, general anesthesia, and a craniofacial anomalies clinic are part of the educational experience. Residents will learn to critically evaluate the scientific literature, design a research project and produce a publishable quality paper for a certificate. Upon submission and defense of a completed research paper and upon completion of required courses of the College of Graduate Health Sciences, students will receive the Master of Dental Science degree (M.D.S.). This potentially could be completed within 24 months or might require an additional off campus semester to complete.
Program Stipend and Tuition
The stipend is $43,600 for first year residents and $45,400 for second year residents. No tuition is required for residents; however, fees associated with the College of Graduate Health Sciences are required (approximately $800 a year). Fringe benefits include malpractice coverage, health insurance for the resident, one week of vacation a year, University Holidays and 3 ½ Personal Days. Health insurance for dependents is available for an additional premium.
Facilities
The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry serves as the primary outpatient clinical site. The excellent professional staff and large patient population provide a challenging environment for learning. Additional affiliated clinical sites include Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the program must be citizens of the United States at the time of application, and have graduated from a dental school approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Applicants must satisfy the following additional requirements to be considered for admission:
- Complete a Postdoctoral Application Support Services (PASS) Application including a current Curriculum Vitae.
- Supply 2 PEFs through PASS. Please choose individuals who have a special knowledge of your qualifications, such as a research/clinical mentor.
- ADAT scores will be considered but are not required.
- Final transcripts, final official National Board Scores and other pertinent information must be supplied upon acceptance and prior to enrollment in the program.
- Be selected for a personal interview.
- Acceptance is through the national MATCH program
- A separate application once enrolled for Master of Dental Science degree (M.D.S.) is required to the College of Graduate Health Sciences
The University of Tennessee participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (Match) and PASS. Invitations for applicant interviews are based on the following criteria:
- Academic background and achievement
- Extracurricular activities
- Scholarly endeavors
- Clinical experiences
Applicants who plan to enter the program immediately following graduation from dental school must satisfy these additional criteria:
- Class rank – upper one-third
- Successful completion of National Board Scores Part I
- G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
Program Strengths
- Program provides excellent evidenced based integration between the didactic and clinical sciences.
- Comprehensive program with many hospital resources including one of the nation’s top ranked pediatric hospitals, LeBonheur, and the prestigious St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- In depth training in general anesthesia, premedication and sedation through the Departments of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
- Clinical experience with medically compromised, developmentally disabled, and cleft lip and palate patients.
Program Faculty
*Martha Wells, D.M.D., M.S., Associate Professor, Program Director, Pediatric Dentistry
*Larry Dormois., D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor, Pediatric Dentistry, Chair
*Alka V. Cohen, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Martin E. Donaldson, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
Liang Hong, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.,
Associate Professor,
Community Oral Health
Orpheus Triplett, D.D.S, Associate Professor, Director of Community Relations and Outreach
*Jennifer A. Fernandez, D.D.S., M.S., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Wes McCann, D.D.S, M.S, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
William G. Parris, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor, Orthodontics
*Chris Rowland, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Harry Sharp, D.D.S., Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Toddrick Smith, D.D.S., Instructor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry
School Profile
| Program Type: | University-based |
| Program Director: | Full-Time Board Certified |
| Program Faculty: | 6 Full-Time 5 Part-Time 8 Board Certified |
| Program Length: | 24 Total Months |
| Program Accreditation: | Approved |
| State Licensure: | |
| Number of Entering Positions: | 4 |
| Tuition In-State: | 800.00 First Year 800.00 Second Year |
| Tuition Out-Of-State: | 800.00 First Year 800.00 Second Year |
| Salary/Stipend: | 43,900 First Year 45,940 Second Year |
| Application: | 0.00 Fee 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 Community Clinics Outreach Public Health Minimal and Moderate Sedations Special Health Care Needs Behavior Guidance |
| Didactic Experience: | Seminars Literature Review Courses Lectures |
| Research Requirement: | Thesis |
| Teaching Experience: | 0.25 Clinic Half-Days |
| Facilities: | 9 Chair/Operatories 4 Clinic Receptionist 5 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists |