How Long Does it Take to Be a Pediatric Dentist?
Most family practice dentists treat both adults and children, but a pediatric dentist focuses on the unique dental needs of babies, children and teenagers. These youngsters have mouths which are still growing and new teeth coming in, are more likely to have certain types of injuries, and benefit from a different psychological approach as well. Becoming a pediatric dentist requires at least 10 years of education beyond high school.
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Bachelor of Science
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An aspiring dentist first must obtain a bachelor of science degree, which usually is a 4-year program. A common educational path is following a pre-dental or pre-medical track while majoring in chemistry or biology. These majors are not a requirement for admission to dental school, but the applicant must have completed a certain amount of coursework in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and physics.
Dental School
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Next, the student acquires a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school. Both are 4-year programs, and the degrees are the same except for the title. The first two years of dental school focus on sciences essential to the field of dentistry, including biomaterials, oral anatomy and oral biochemistry, and histology. Students also take technical dental courses, and learn about the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, including pediatric dentistry. During the following two years, the student participates in intensive clinical dental study and practice.
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Practice or Residency
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After graduation, the new dentists are eligible to become licensed, which allows them to practice in their specific state. A graduate interested in becoming a pediatric dentist may either go into general practice for a number of years before returning to school, or continue on to a residency immediately after dental school. Pediatric residency programs usually last 2 years, and as of 2009, more than 30 states have schools offering pediatric residencies.
Residency Specifics
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During the pediatric residency, the student learns advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures related specifically to young patients. Coursework includes biostatics, epidemiology, oral pathology, pharmaceutical study and radiology. Students also learn about child psychology, relieving children's anxiety, and caring for children with special physical, mental or emotional needs. Additionally, residents study clinical management, diagnosing growth problems, emergency dentistry, management of oral trauma, oral diseases of children, tooth replacement, conscious sedation and general anesthesia. They learn to use equipment designed for the small mouths of pediatric patients.
Post-Graduation
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After graduating from the residency program, the new pediatric dentist is eligible to find a position in a pediatric dental practice or start his or her own business. A residency graduate may at any time decide to become certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) for extra credentials. This requires a rigorous examination process. Pediatric dentists also must continue education, either formally or individually, in order to keep up with advancements in the field. The ABPD holds annual continuing education sessions each spring, changing cities each time.
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