Postgraduate Program in Pediatric Dentistry 
The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, School of Dentistry
6655 Travis Street
Suite 460
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (713) 500-8220
Fax: 713 500 8210
Email: Bhavini.S.Acharya@uth.tmc.edu

Program Length and Number of Positions

Ceritificate Program: This is a 24-month 1-week program commencing the last week of June each year. Eight (8) new positions are available each year. 

M.S.D. Program: Simultaneous enrollment in the certificate program and a Master of Science in Dentistry program is available. In addition to the requirements for the certificate program, M.S.D. candidates must submit an original research project and thesis and complete additional course work. M.S.D. degree requirements may be accomplished in less than 36 months. 

Program Type

University-based, hospital-affiliated certificate program with option for a Master of Science in Dentistry degree.

Application

The application deadline is October 1 of the year preceding matriculation. Application is made through the PASS program of the ADEA. Correspondence regarding application and admission procedures should be addressed to: 

The Office of Student Affairs, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Dentistry, 7500 Cambridge Street, Suite 4120, Houston, TX 77054

Description

The program in pediatric dentistry is designed to offer the advanced student a mixture of didactic and clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on hospital and clinical dentistry, and includes experiences in general anesthesia, deep (IV) and mild-moderate sedation, special patient care, and interceptive and preventive orthodontics. Rotations through Hermann Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Medical Center (a pediatric ambulatory care clinic which is designed to simulate a private practice setting) provide each resident with the opportunity to learn in many different environments. Month-long pediatric medicine and anesthesiology rotations are completed during the second half of the first training year. The program is approved and accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. Upon successful completion of the certificate program, the student satisfies the eligibility requirements for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. An optional master of science in dentistry degree may be earned within the two-year period

Curriculum

Program curriculum includes clinical and didactic instruction in Pediatric Dentistry including core Biomedical and Clinical sciences. The program offers a wide range of clinical experiences in Pediatric Dentistry and Special needs. 

Master of Science in Dentistry Degree: Residents interested in a Master of Science in Dentistry degree in addition to their certificate, may pursue this program. Specific detailed information regarding a Master of Science in Dentistry degree may be obtained from the program director.

Program Stipend and Tuition

First-year stipend is $26,000 plus fringe benefits. Second-year stipend is $34,000 plus fringe benefits. In-State Tuition is $9,800 for the first year and $7,500 for the second year. Out-of-State Tuition is $13,100 for the first year and $13,200 for the second year.

Facilities

• Hermann Children's Hospital
• University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - School of Dentistry
• Houston Medical Center Building
• UT Professional Building
• Texas Childrens' Hospital, Pediatric Dentistry

Admission Requirements

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

• D.D.S. or D.M.D. or equivalent
• Dental and pre-professional education transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal interview
• TOEFL for applicants whose first language is not English
• National Board Dental Examination results

Must have passed both Part I and Part II, National Dental Board Examination

Program Strengths

• Didactic and clinical education in contemporary preventive oriented pediatric dentistry 
• Resources of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the United States.
• Hospital-based activities including general anesthesia, pediatric medicine, emergency room coverage, participation in cleft lip/palate and hematology/oncology teams, inpatient and outpatient comprehensive dental care 
• Clinical experiences under deep (IV) and minimal-moderate sedation and special needs dentistry
• Extramural clinical rotations (Cleft lip and palate & Oral Pathology Clinics)
• Research opportunities

Program Faculty

Bhavini S. Acharya, B.D.S., M.P.H - Associate Professor, Program Director*
Nathanael O. Salako, D.D.S., M.S – Associate Professor, Interim Vice-Chair
Harold Henson, R.D.H, PhD – Associate Professor, Interim Chair
Gisela V. Bona, D.D.S., M.S. - Associate Professor *
Amber Callis, D.D.S., M.S. - Clinical Assistant Professor (PT)*
Antonio Dario Cardenas, D.D.S., M.S. - Associate Professor *
Brett Chiquet, D.D.S., PhD. - Assistant Professor *
Elsa Echeverri, D.D.S. - Clinical Associate Professor (PT)*
Tanya Saour, D.D.S. - Clinical Assistant Professor +(PT)
Allen Gaw, D.D.S. - Clinical Assistant Professor (PT)
Christopher Harris, D.M.D. - Clinical Assistant Professor * (PT)
Amy K. Herbert, D.D.S - Assistant Professor *
Bret Ibarra, D.D.S., M.S. - Clinical Assistant Professor *
Lisa McGriff-Metz, D.D.S. - Clinical Assistant Professor * (PT)
A. Katherine Pazmino, D.D.S., M.S. - Clinical Assistant Professor * (PT)
Di Wu, D.D.S., M.S., PhD - Assistant Professor*

*Board certified (Pediatric Dentistry)
+Board certified (Orthodontics)

School Profile

 

Program Type:	Combined Hospital-based University-based Degree Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time
Program Faculty:	8 Full-Time 8 Part-Time 12 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months 7/1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
State Licensure:	Restricted License Available
Number of Entering Positions:	8
Tuition In-State:	$9,800 First Year $7,500 Second Year
Tuition Out-Of-State:	$13,100 First Year $13,200 Second Year
Salary/Stipend:	$26,000 First Year $34,000 Second Year
Application:	0 Fee September 30 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:	Yes
Non-US citizens from foreign  dental schools considered:	No
Acceptance Applicant Ratio:
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:	Thesis Data Collection Project
Teaching Experience:	2 Clinic Half-Days 0 Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	12 Chair/Operatories 5 Clinic Receptionist 5 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists