Postdoctoral Program in Pediatric Dentistry 
The Dental School of the University of Texas
Health Science Center-San Antonio
8210 Floyd Curl Drive MC 8118
San Antonio, Texas 78229
Phone: (210) 450-3504
Fax: (210) 567-3526
Web: http://www.uthscsa.edu
Program Website: https://www.uthscsa.edu/academics/dental/programs/pediatric-dentistry 

Program Length and Number of Positions

Certificate Program: This is a 24-month program beginning July 1 of each year. Nine new positions are available each year. There are 7 positions in San Antonio, and 2 positions in our extension site in Laredo, TX.

MSDS Pediatric Dentistry Track Program: Simultaneous enrollment in the certificate program and a Master of Science in Dental Science Pediatric Dentistry Track Degree program is available. In addition to the requirements for the certificate program, an original research project, thesis and course work are required. The MSDS degree is awarded upon successful completion of the certificate program. 

Program Type

University/health science-based hospital-affiliated certificate program.

Application

The application deadline is September 16 of the year preceding martriculation. Any questions concerning the application process should be addressed to: pedoapplications@uthscsa.edu.

Description

The program in Pediatric Dentistry offers the advanced student a balanced curriculum in both didactic and clinical areas. Particular emphasis is placed on hospital dentistry, conscious sedation, interceptive orthodontics, and special patient care. The program is administered by the Department of Developmental Dentistry and is approved and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student is awarded a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and meets the advanced education eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Curriculum

This program offers a balanced curriculum of clinical and didactic material with the overall goal being to provide a broad base of knowledge in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Considerable program time is devoted to clinical experience in routine restorative dentistry, behavior management, interceptive orthodontics and dental treatment of the medically compromised. Hospital rotations of general anesthesia, pediatric emergency room and pediatric medicine are also part of the curriculum.
Significant time is spent covering didactic material related to pediatric dentistry. In addition, a research project and teaching responsibilities are required components of the program.

Program Stipend and Tuition

First-year stipend is $26,000. Second-year stipend is $26,000. Tuition and Fees are approximately $4,600 each year.

Facilities

  • University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School-San Antonio
  • Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
  • Laredo Health Department
  • Laredo Medical Center Hospital
  • Ricardo Salinas Metropolitan Health Pediatric Dentistry

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

  • D.D.S., D.M.D., or non-US equivalent
  • Dental education transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal interview
  • Graduates of dental schools which have not been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation must have successfully completed the National Boards prior to application.
  • TOEFL for applicants whose first language is not English

Program Strengths

  • Strong didactic and clinical foundation in pediatric dentistry with emphasis on pediatric medicine, hospital dentistry, interceptive orthodontics and conscious sedation
  • Outstanding opportunities for advanced research training
  • Large, varied patient population for teaching purposes

Program Faculty

Program Leadership
Kevin J. Donly, D.D.S., M.S., Professor and Department Chair*
Maria Jose Cervantes Mendez, D.D.S., M.S., Clinical Associate Professor and Postdoctoral Program Director*

Program Faculty
Claudia Isabel Contreras, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor
Minerva Garcia, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor, Laredo Training Site Director*
Jeffrey Mabry, D.D.S., M.S., Clinical Professor*
Alexis Liu, D.D.S., M.S., Clinical Assistant Professor*
Cristina Leon-Pineda, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.S.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor*
Alexander Olea, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor
Alfred Burns, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor*
Joseph Castellano, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor, Laredo Training Site*
Hank Hammer, D.D.S., Clinical Associate Professor, Orthodontics+
Elva Jordan, D.D.S., Clinical Associate Professor, Laredo Training Site*
Royanna Lin, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor*
Cesar Rotter, D.D.S., Clinical Assistant Professor
Alessandra Chacon, D.D.S., M.S., Clinical Assistant Professor+
Ryan Reyes, D.D.S., M.S., Clinical Assistant Professor+
Paul Kennedy, D.D.S., Clinical Faculty Volunteer*
Robert Offutt, D.D.S., Clinical Faculty Volunteer
William Taylor, D.D.S., Clinical Faculty Volunteer

*Board Certified, Pediatric Dentistry
+Board Certified, Orthodontics

School Profile

 

Program Type: Certificate
Program Director: Full-Time
Program Faculty: 9 Full-Time
7 Part-Time
12 Board Certified
Program Length: 24 Total Months
July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation: Approved
State Licensure: Restricted License Available
Number of Entering Positions: 9
Tuition In-State: 4,600
Tuition Out-Of-State: 4,600
Salary/Stipend: 26,000 First Year
26,000 Second Year
Application: September 15 Deadline
Participant in National
Matching Service:
Yes
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: 1:20
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
Special HealthCare Needs
Behavior Guidance
Didactic Experience: Courses
Case Conferences
Lectures
Literature Review
Seminars
Research Requirement: Data Collection Project
Teaching Experience: 2/month Clinic Half-Days
Several Lecture/Presentations
Facilities: 22 Chair/Operatories
3 Clinic Receptionist
14 Dental Assistants
0 Dental Hygienists