Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry 
VCU School of Dentistry
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
521 North 11th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0566
Phone: (804) 628-4036
Fax: (804) 827-0163
Email: wodahlke@vcu.edu
Web: http://www.dentistry.vcu.edu

Program Length and Number of Positions

This is a 24-month program commencing on July 1 of each year. Four new positions are available each year.

Program Type

The program is university based with hospital affiliations. A certificate and a Master of Science in Dentistry is awarded at the conclusion of the program. The certificate and the Master’s degree must be awarded concurrently.

Application

The application deadline is September 15 of the year preceding matriculation. The program participates in the PASS and National Matching Service programs.

Description

The Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry offers the student a comprehensive 24-month course of study in clinical and didactic pediatric dentistry and is designed to meet the educational requirements for limitation of practice to pediatric dentistry and examination by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Emphasis is placed on all phases of pediatric dentistry and at the end of the program the student will be able to provide comprehensive oral health care for the well child, the medically compromised child and the child with special health care needs. Extensive experience is provided in the areas of sedation, analgesia and the use of general anesthesia to deliver dental treatment. Research experience is gained through completion of an individual research project and a master’s thesis.

Curriculum

Seminars are held that cover topic relevant to pediatric dentistry and includes literature review and case presentations. Formal courses are presented in research design, pediatric advanced life support, and basic sciences. The residents also participate in undergraduate teaching and supervision. Off service rotations occur in general anesthesia, pediatric medicine, pediatric emergency room and craniofacial clinic.

Program Stipend and Tuition

First year stipend: $28,000. Second year stipend: $30,000.

Tuition and fee rates for advanced dental education students are established annually by the VCU Board of Visitors in May. For students enrolling in July 2019, after scholarship credits are applied, the costs for attendance including educational and clinical tuition and fee charges will not exceed $15,000.

Facilities

The Pediatric Dental Clinic is located on the third floor of the Wood Building of the School of Dentistry. It is a modern 14-chair clinic that includes three suites equipped for moderate sedation, central nitrous oxide, seminar rooms and computer/audio visual support. Residents are provided with desk and filing space. The Pediatric Dentistry Academic Offices are conveniently located across the hall from the clinic. The Ambulatory Surgical Center, Main Hospital Operating rooms, and the Children's Hospital of Richmond Children's Pavilion are utilized for outpatient dental treatment.

VCU Facilities: 14 Chair Dental Clinic
1 Clinical Office Manager
2 Clinical Receptionists
9 Dental Assistants
1 Dental Hygienist

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered from admission:

• D.D.S. or D.M.D from an ADA-accredited dental School
• Successful completion of Part 1 of the National Dental Board at the time of application and successful completion of Part II by the time of matriculation.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
• Ranking in the top 50% of the class
• Dental education transcripts
• Participation in PASS and MATCH
• Personal Interview
• Applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA will be considered if they have significant clinical experience
• A minimum of one week of externship in Pediatric Dentistry at any U.S. Pediatric Dental Residency program.

Program Strengths

• Diverse and balanced educational program in pediatric dentistry with dedicated and experienced dental faculty support
• Extensive experience in sedation/general anesthesia
• Operating room experience
• Cooperative relationships with other departments in the hospital and dental school
• Facilitated research experience
• Clinic is managed similar to a private practice

Program Faculty

Full-time Faculty:
William O. Dahlke, Jr., DMD, Department Chair, Interim Program Director, Associate Professor*
Patrice B. Wunsch, DDS MS, Vice Chair and Associate Postdoctoral Program Director, Professor*
Elizabeth Berry, DDS, MPH, MSD, Associate Professor*
Elizabeth Bortell, DDS, Director of Pediatric Dentistry, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU - Brook Road Campus, Assistant Professor*
Tiffany L. Williams, DDS, MSD, Predoctoral Program Director, Assistant Professor*
Erica Brecher, DDS, MS, Assistant Professor*

Part-time Faculty:
Robert O. Kendig, DDS
Martin J. Oakes, DDS
Erika A. Sachno, DDS, MSD+

*Board Certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
+Board Certified, American Board of Orthodontics

School Profile

 

Program Type:	University-based Degree Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time Board Certified
Program Faculty:	6 Full-Time 6 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
State Licensure:	Required
Number of Entering Positions:	5
Tuition In-State:	15,000 First Year
Tuition Out-Of-State:	15,000 First Year
Salary/Stipend:	28,000 First Year 30,000 Second Year
Application:	0 Fee September 15 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 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:	One Week Clinic Half-Days 2 Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	14 Chair/Operatories 3 Clinic Receptionist 9 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists