University of Puerto Rico

Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry
School of Dental Medicine Office of Graduate Studies
University of Puerto Rico
P.O. Box 365067
San Juan, PR 00936-5067
Phone: (787) 758-2525 ext. 1106
Fax: (787) 758-7871

Profile
Fellowship

Program Length and Number of Positions

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

Program Type

University- and hospital-based certificate program with option for Master in Dental Sciences

Application

The application deadline is September 15 of the year preceding matriculation. Correspondence regarding application and admission procedures should be addressed to:

Dean of Graudate Dental Education, School of Dental Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067.

Description

The Pediatric Dentistry Program includes instruction on behavior management, treatment of handicapped children, preventive and interceptive treatment of malocclusion, dental practice in the hospital setting, general anesthesia, biostatistics, research, pediatrics, physical diagnosis, clinically oriented basic science and dental education. Instruction and clinical practice are conducted at the School of Dentistry and the Pediatric University Hospital. The structure and content of this program follows the guidelines for advanced education programs established by the ADA Council on Dental Education and the AAPD. Upon completion of the program, the student receives a certificate and meets the eligibility requirements for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination. Student may apply for the master's degree upon completion of the certificate program.

Curriculum

Required didactic courses include: advanced oral biology care, advanced pediatric dentistry, problems of handicapped children, interceptive orthodontics seminar, growth and development, research for residents, cephalometrics, biostatistics, pediatrics, physical diagnosis and oral pathology. Completion of a research project is required for certification. A thesis is required for the master's degree.

Required clinical courses include advanced pediatric dentistry clinic, special pediatric dentistry clinic and interceptive orthodontics. Residents spend one month each in anesthesia and pediatrics. Residents participate in the meetings of the cleft-palate team at the Pediatric University Hospital. Community extramural experiences includes: San Gabriel Institute for Deaf Children and Head Start Community Project.

Program Stipend and Tuition

The yearly stipend for a first year resident is approximately $35,807 and for second year $37,252. The tuition cost for the first year is $2,878 and for the second year $1,767. Additional fees for technology, construction and laboratory fees applied. Studens without health insurances should pay a yearly health services fee of $684.
For out-of-state tuition, first year is approximately $4,876 and for second year is $4,903. This infomation may change according to university revisions. Candidates should inquire for the lastest and updated information as this is subject to change.

Facilities

• School of Dental Medicine Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
• Pediatric University Hospital
• Community Clinic
• San Juan Municipal Hospital

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to be considered for admission:

• Application through the PASS system.
• $60.00 application fee sent directly to the Program
• No photograph necessary
• Three evaluation reports from dental school faculty where applicant received dental degree (one from teacher in specialty area that applicant seeks admission)
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
• Photocopies of diplomas/certificates
• Letter of recommendation from dental society secretary in area of residence (for applicants in private practice)
• Photocopy of license to practice dentistry in area of residence (only for applicants who graduated from dental school over one year prior to application date)
• Certificate of comprehensive medical examination made within six months of application date
• Letter of recommendation from dental school dean certifying number of students in class and applicant's class standing
• Conversion of transcript numerical grades to letter grades (i.e. A-excellent; B-good; C-fair; D- and F-failure)
• Personal interviews
• National Board Dental Examination results Part I and II (for graduates of ADA-accredited dental school, Part I must be passed before application)
• National Board Dental Examination results Part I before application (for graduates of non ADA-accredited dental school)

Program Strengths

• The availability, the variety and the pool of medically compromised children with dental
  problems
• The availability and extensive use of medical consultants during the treatment of these
  children
• The comprehensive treatment of malocclusion through orthodontic therapy
• Operating room case load.
• Didactic program with 50 percent time committed to the hospital environment

Program Faculty

Noel J. Aymat, D.M.D., F.A.A.P.D., J.D., Associate Professor/Program Director*
Yilda M. Rivera, D.M.D., F.A.A.P.D., Professor*
Alván Vélez, D.M.D., Professor
Emilio Agrait, D.M.D., Professor*
Melba Esquilin, D.M.D., MPH Assistant Professor
Rosana Hanke, D.M.D., M.S.D., Associate Professor*
Damaris Molina, D.M.D., Associate Professor*
Nadgie Ortiz, D.M.D., Associate Professor*
Maria Lavandero, D.M.D., Assistant Professor*
Elaine Pagan, D.M.D., Assistant Professor*

*Board certified

School Profile

Program Type:	Combined Hospital-based University-based Degree Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time Board Certified
Program Faculty:	8 Full-Time 2 Part-Time 7 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
No. of entering positions:	5
Tuition in-state:	$2,878 First Year $1,767 Second Year
Tuition out-of-state:	$4,876 First Year $4,903 Second Year
Salary/Stipend:	$35,807 First Year $37,252 Second Year
Application:	September 15 Deadline
Participant in National Matching Service:	No
Participant in PASS:	Yes
Only US citizens from ADA accredited dental schools considered:	No
US citizens from foreign dental schools considered:	Yes
Non-US citizens from ADA accredited dental schools considered:	Yes
Non-US citizens from foreign dental schools considered:	Yes
Acceptance/Applicant Ratio:	5:28
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 Clinic Half-Days
Facilities:	6-8 Chair/Operatories 1 Clinic Receptionist 6 Dental Assistants 1 Dental Hygienists

Fellowship