Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry strives to gain the benefits of oral health for all children and adolescents in Kentucky, and beyond, regardless their systemic and mental condition and abilities. The Pediatric Dentistry program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Division Chief: Cristina Perez, DDS, MS, Division Chief

Educational and Clinical Emphasis

The development of skills in clinical pediatric dentistry is a primary program objective. However, because of the need for pediatric dentists in teaching, research, and public health positions, a strong secondary objective is to stimulate an interest in these areas. Upon program completion, the resident receives a certificate in pediatric dentistry and meets the eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

The Program has strong clinical and didactic components with a focus on:

• treatment of medically, mentally, and physically compromised children and adolescents
• hospital and pharmacological management of patients
• management of the developing dentition for children and adolescents under the supervision of full-time pediatric faculty/orthodontists.

The didactic curriculum consists of a series of interrelated seminars and courses regarding general pediatric oral health care, care of the handicapped and chronically ill child, and diagnosis and treatment of occlusion problems in the primary, mixed and young permanent dentitions. The 24-month program includes a core curriculum, specialty coursework, and a wide range of clinical experiences.

The program benefits from being administratively located in a College of Dentistry, but with residents being full-time in the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Percent of Resident's Time Spent:
Didactic 20%
Clinical Experience 65%
Research 10%
Teaching 5%