Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry

A 30 month program designed to prepare qualified dentists for specialized private practice, teaching, research, or service within a large hospital. The University of Michigan Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Program is designed to prepare qualified dentists for specialized private practice, teaching, research, or service within a large hospital. The 30-month course of study includes seminars, lectures, demonstrations, and intensive mentored clinical experience on physical and psychological growth and development, therapy for the primary and young permanent tooth, restoration of the primary and young permanent dentition, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic guidance of child behavior, trauma, and diagnosis and treatment of selected Class I and Class II malocclusions. In addition, significant blocks of time are dedicated to hospital training and treatment of patients under general anesthesia and care of the child with special healthcare needs, both at the Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and facilities in Flint. Residents spend the first 12 months of the program in Ann Arbor engaged in coursework, patient care, and development of a research project. The second 12 months are mainly spent in advanced clinical training in Flint at Mott Children’s Health Center and Hurley Medical Center. Mott Children’s Health Center is a technologically advanced multi-disciplinary clinic whose services (including pediatric dentistry) are provided at no cost to families, allowing for the highest quality of care irrespective of the family’s ability to pay. The final six months of the program are mainly spent in Ann Arbor engaged in the completion of research, teaching of predoctoral dental students, and advanced clinical activities. This program provides mentored research experience throughout the program. Upon completion of requirements, the graduate receives a Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry degree and a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Michigan and meets the advanced education eligibility requirements for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination. Program Strengths: Excellent balance between didactic and clinical experience. Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of complex pediatric dentistry problems. Extensive orthodontic instruction in the diagnosis and clinical management of malocclusions. Affiliation with the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, and Mott Children’s Health Center and Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Mentored research experience related to the Master’s thesis project.