Educational Requirements for Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists perform dental procedures that are specific to the needs of children. They must first complete their dental training at an accredited program and specialize in dental care for children. The Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits all dental school programs. Pediatric dentists must be state-licensed and take continuing education and professional development courses throughout their career. Individuals with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree can become pediatric dentists.
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Dental School
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Prior to enrolling in a dental program, prospective dental students must complete a minimum of two years of college level pre-dentistry requirements. Candidates with a background in health-related courses, including biology, chemistry and physics, are ideal candidates. All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Students who are admitted into a dental program must satisfy their course requirements and take part in clinical practice. Course highlights include microbiology, biochemistry and physiology. Dental training takes four years to complete; during their fourth year, students treat patients in supervised clinical facilities.
Specialized Training
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Dental school graduates with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree can specialize in pediatric dentistry by taking additional course requirements. Students participate in seminars, lectures and clinical practice. Students who complete their required training must take the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry's board exam. Advanced training in pediatric dentistry can be completed within two years. Students attend seminars in pediatric dentistry, oral medicine and pathology and conduct research in pediatric dentistry.
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Licensure and Certifications
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Dentists must be licensed to practice by passing the National Board Dental examination. The exam consists of written and practical tests. Dentists can be licensed to practice in general and specialized dentistry. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry must also certify pediatric dentists. The certifying exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's qualification and advanced training in pediatric dentistry, and consists of oral and written tests. Pediatric dentists must take continuing education and professional development training to maintain their certification and licensure.
Considerations
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Like general dentists, pediatric dentists must have diagnostic and manual skills. Other qualifications include a strong visual memory and scientific competency. Pediatric dentists who want to teach or conduct research must spend an additional two to five years in advanced dental training. Employment opportunities for dentists in general are expected to grow at a faster than average rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job opportunities for dentists will increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. In 2009, the annual salary for dentists in specialty fields was $153,000.
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References
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