University of Tennessee (TN)

Graduate Program in Pediatric Dentistry
College of Dentistry
University of Tennessee
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: (901) 448-6206

Profile
Fellowship

Program Length and Number of Positions

A 24-month certificate program and a 36-month Master’s Degree program commencing on July 1 of each year. Six new positions are available each year.

Program Type

Hospital-based, university-affiliated, certificate program with optional Master of Science degree.

Application

The application deadline is October 1 of the year preceding matriculation.

Correspondence regarding application and admission procedures should be addressed to Dr. Wisdom Coleman, Associate Dean for Admissions, University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, 875 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, telephone 1-800-788-0040 or (901) 448-6268.

Description

The residency program in pediatric dentistry is a two-year, combined hospital/university program with a third year Master’s Degree option. The program combines clinical training with studies of the basic sciences as related to pediatric dentistry. All instruction is conducted within the colleges of dentistry and medicine 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 program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and persons completing the program meet the advanced education eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. A certificate of Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry is awarded by The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry upon successful completion of the two-year residency program. On completion of the optional third year and thesis requirement, students will receive the Master of Science degree (M.S.). The 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/or developmentally disabled pediatric patients. The curriculum includes both basic sciences and clinical courses which are necessary for the development of the competent pediatric dentist. Student exposure to appropriate behavior management, including nonpharmacological techniques, sedation, hospitalization and general anesthesia, is extensively covered in the curriculum. Instruction in growth and development, cephalometrics, and limited orthodontic treatment is presented over the two-year period.

The didactic program includes such basic sciences as oral pathology, biostatistices/epidemiology, immunology/microbiology, research design, gross anatomy and pharmacology. Lectures and seminars are presented on dental pediatrics, 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 medicine, general anesthesia, emergency medicine 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 paper for a certificate. A thesis must be completed to satisfy the requirements for a Master’s Degree.

Program Stipend and Tuition

The stipend is $36,832 for first year residents and $37,908 for second year residents. No stipend is available for third year residents. No tuition is required for first, second or third year residents. Fringe benefits include health insurance for the resident, malpractice insurance and one week vacation a year, University Holidays and 3 ½ Personal Days. Health insurance is available for dependants for an additional premium.

Facilities

Crittenden Regional Hospital serves as the primary outpatient clinical site. The excellent professional staff and large patient population provide a challenging environment for learning. Additional affiliated clinical site include Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.

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:

1. Complete a University of Tennessee or a Postdoctoral Application Support Services (PASS) Application.
2. Supply official (sent by school) pre-dental and dental transcripts.
3. Supply official National Board scores (National Board of Dental Examiners).
4. Supply four letters of reference, including one from the Dean’s Office indicating a cumulative GPA and class rank, and at least one from a full-time faculty member in pediatric dentistry who taught you in dental school.
5. Provide updated and final transcripts, final National Board Scores and any other pertinent information that must be forwarded as soon as it is available.
6. Be selected for a personal interview.

The University of Tennessee participates in the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (Match) and PASS. Invitations for applicant interviews are based on the following criteria:

1. Academic background and achievement
2. Extracurricular activities
3. Scholarly endeavors
4. Clinical experiences

Applicants who plan to enter the program immediately following graduation from dental school must satisfy these additional criteria:

1. Class rank – upper one-third
2. National Board Scores Part I – 85 average or above
3. G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher

Program Strengths

1. Program provides excellent integration between the didactic and clinical sciences.
2. Comprehensive program with many hospital resources.
3. In depth training in generals anesthesia, premedication and sedation through the Departments
of Anesthesiology and Pediatric Dentistry.
4. Clinical experience with medically compromised and/or developmentally disabled patients.

Program Faculty

*Lina M. Cardenas, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor & Chair, Pediatric Dentistry
*Betsy Barcroft, D.D.S., M.S., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
John M. Burrows, D.D.S., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Alka V. Cohen, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Martin E. Donaldson, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor and Program Director, Pediatric Dentistry
Edward F. Harris, Ph.D., Professor, Orthodontics
Billy E. McCann, Sr., D.D.S., M.S., Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
Chris Rowland, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
Marcia Seeberg, P.h.D., Instructor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Harry Sharp, D.D.S., Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
*Philip Walter, D.D.S., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry
Mark Scarbecz, M.S., Ph.D., Professor
William G. Parris, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor, Orthodontics
Jack Wilson, Ph.D., Professor, Anatomy & Neurobiology
Shelia Stinson, M.D., Medical Director, Anesthesiology, Crittenden Regional Hospital

*Board Certified

School Profile

Program Type:	Combined Degree Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time Board Certified
Program Faculty:	9 Full-Time 2 Part-Time 4 Board Certified
Program Length:	July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
No. of entering positions:	6
Salary/Stipend:	$36,832 First Year $37,908 Second Year
Application:	October 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:	1:15
Clinic Experience:	Orthodontics Conscious Sedation Hospital Rotations Anesthesia Emergency Call Operating Room Oral Surgery Infant Oral Health Medically Compromised Mentally Disabled Craniofacial Disorders Physically Disabled
Didactic Experience:	Seminars Literature Review Courses Case Conferences
Research Requirement:	Thesis Data Collection Project Case Report
Teaching Experience:	1/wk Clinic Half-Days Yes Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	14 Chair/Operatories 2 Clinic Receptionist 6 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists

Fellowship