Pediatric Dentistry Training
Pediatric dentistry is a specialty area of dental care for children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists work at dental care clinics, hospitals or as self-employed professionals. Pediatric dentists must have several years of formal education and on-the-job training.
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Preliminary Training
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Pediatric dentists must have preliminary undergraduate courses in the physical sciences. An aspiring pediatric dentist must have a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline such as biology or chemistry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, undergraduates who plan to apply to dental school must complete a scientific-based curriculum with courses in algebra, biology, chemistry, geometry and physics.
Dental School Training
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Pediatric dentists earn either the D.D.S or D.M.D. degree. Future pediatric dentists must pass the Dental Admissions School test (DAT). Students must complete a four-year course of study to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
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On-the-Job Training
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According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, pediatric dentists must complete a two-year hospital residency training program under the supervision of dentists and oral surgeons. They study advanced treatment techniques and diagnostic techniques, child psychology and anesthesia guidelines for children.
Licenses and Certification
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Pediatric dentists must pass a written and practical licensing exam to practice dentistry in the United States. The American Board of Clinical Dentistry offers a two-part certification called the Oral Clinical Exam (OCE) to measure proficiency in pediatric dentistry.
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