Pediatric Dentistry Certificate

UB’s Pediatric Dentistry program gives residents the opportunity to treat a diverse patient population including refugees, immigrants and patients with special health care needs. Our program is committed to promoting and advancing the knowledge and skills of our residents in every aspect of pediatric dentistry. Faculty members at UB are dedicated to teaching residents the highest quality oral health care services for the pediatric population in Western New York. Our various clinical training sites produce successful residents who are capable, compassionate, and fully prepared to practice in any environment upon graduation.

The program location in the School of Dental Medicine provides a close vicinity to other dental programs, including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry, and more. UB’s state-of-the-art facilities allow for advanced caseloads and research opportunities. Emphasis on community outreach, clinical training and academics allow for a diverse learning experience based on the needs of each resident.

Our goal is to train residents to become proficient in all phases of pediatric dentistry, including:

• Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic behavior guidance techniques
• Treatment of children under general anesthesia
• Hospital dentistry inpatient care
• Interceptive orthodontics for the pediatric and adolescent patient
• Child growth and development
• Management of medically compromised patients
• Dental and orofacial trauma and the management of dental emergencies
• Recognition and treatment of oral pathological conditions
• Preventive therapies and promotion of oral health
• Treatment planning and providing comprehensive oral health care
• Performing restorative techniques for pediatric and adolescent patients
• Treatment of common oral diseases
• Pulp therapy in the primary and immature permanent dentition
• Community outreach, service and advocacy
• Management of a pediatric dental office
• PALS/BLS Certification

Rotations in pediatric medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesia, otolaryngology, craniofacial clinic and other specialty pediatric clinics are also a required component of the program. Residents participate in required sedation educational experience with in-depth training as a primary operator and moderator. Residents are sent to the AAPD Qualifying Comprehensive Review Course and Oral Board Review during their second year of training in effort to prepare them for the ABPD Qualifying Exam, which they are required to take prior to graduation.

Residents primarily treat patients at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Additionally, they receive didactic training and provide direction to pre-doctoral dental students under the supervision of a faculty dentist. Rotation through several clinical facilities is also a large component of the program. The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, located in the downtown medical corridor, is utilized for multiple rotations, operating room experiences and on-call emergency care. Treatment for on-call emergency care is provided at provided at the Kaleida Ambulatory Care Center in the Conventus Center for Collaborative Care, which is attached to the hospital. 

The program in pediatric dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of accredited without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.  Visit the CODA website.

This is a 24-month certificate program, commencing July 1, the first year.