College: Faculty of Postgraduate Health Sciences

Pediatric Dentistry

This specialization focuses on the oral health care of children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

Students develop skills in preventive and therapeutic oral health care, child psychology, and clinical management.

Graduates are prepared for careers in pediatric dental clinics, hospitals, and academic institutions.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of pediatric dentistry and children's oral health.
• Develop skills in preventive and therapeutic oral health care for children.
• Learn techniques for child behavior management and ensuring positive dental experiences.
• Explore principles of child growth and development, and child psychology.
• Analyze and interpret pediatric dental data and research findings.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making skills for effective pediatric dental practice.

Main Outline

1. Introduction to Pediatric Dentistry

   Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in pediatric dentistry and children's oral health.

   Fundamentals of pediatric dental development, oral diseases, and preventive care.

2. Preventive Pediatric Dentistry

   Principles of preventive pediatric dentistry, including oral hygiene, diet, fluoride therapy, and sealants.

   Techniques for providing preventive oral care and educating patients and families.

3. Behavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry

   Fundamentals of child psychology, behavior management techniques, and communication skills.

   Techniques for managing child behavior, anxiety, and ensuring positive dental experiences.

4. Pediatric Dental Traumatology

   Principles of pediatric dental traumatology, including diagnosis, management, and treatment of dental injuries.

   Techniques for managing dental emergencies and traumatic injuries in children.

5. Pediatric Oral Pathology

   Principles of pediatric oral pathology, including diagnosis, management, and treatment of oral diseases and anomalies.

   Techniques for identifying and managing oral conditions in children.

6. Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs

   Principles of providing dental care for children with special health care needs, including medical, physical, and developmental conditions.

   Techniques for adapting dental treatment and managing patients with special needs.

7. Pediatric Dentistry Research

   Principles of pediatric dentistry research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.

   Techniques for conducting and evaluating research in pediatric dentistry.

8. Clinical Pediatric Dentistry

   Real-world experiences in pediatric dental practice, including patient care, case presentations, and clinical rotations.

   Application of acquired skills in practical pediatric dental scenarios.

9. Pediatric Dentistry Capstone Project

   A comprehensive project applying skills in preventive pediatric dentistry, behavior management, or dental traumatology.

   Presentation of a polished pediatric dental case, research project, or clinical study.

Assessment Methods

• Preventive care plans
• Behavior management strategies
• Dental traumatology reports
• Oral pathology analyses
• Special needs care plans
• Research methodology projects
• Clinical case presentations
• Capstone projects
• Clinical evaluations

Recommended Textbooks

• "Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence" by Pinkham et al.
• "Behavior Management in Dentistry for Children" by Wright et al.
• "Dental Traumatology for the Pediatric Dentist" by Various Authors.
• "Pediatric Oral Pathology" by Various Authors.
• "Special Care in Dentistry" by Various Authors.
• "Research Methods in Pediatric Dentistry" by Various Authors.

Prerequisites

Completion of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Suitable for dental graduates interested in specializing in pediatric dentistry.

Specialization Duration

Typically two to three years for a certificate or master's degree in pediatric dentistry, including coursework, clinical training, and research projects.

Certification

Graduates can obtain a certificate or master's degree in pediatric dentistry and pursue board certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) or other relevant certifying bodies.

Target Audience

Aspiring pediatric dentists, dental specialists, and individuals seeking careers in pediatric dental clinics, hospitals, and academic institutions.

This specialization equips students with the clinical, behavioral, and research skills necessary to excel in pediatric dentistry, supporting careers in pediatric dental practices, hospitals, and academic settings.