The West Virginia University School of Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program is designed to prepare residents with in-depth knowledge and skills in all aspects of pediatric dentistry practice in both private and hospital settings and to encourage lifelong learning to contribute to the advancement of the profession.
As the state’s first and only advanced education program in pediatric dentistry, the residency supports the University’s land-grant mission to advance education and healthcare in West Virginia by expanding the reach of specialized dentists to its youngest residents. The Appalachian region faces the greatest disparities in oral health status and access to oral healthcare in the United States.
The program is GME-funded, providing a competitive stipend and fringe benefits to trainees throughout its entirety, and there is no tuition fee. Upon completion of the two-year program, residents will be awarded a certificate of specialty training in pediatric dentistry and will meet the advanced eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Program objectives
The WVU Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program is designed to provide the education and training necessary for graduate dentists to be competent in:
- providing both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare for infants and children through adolescence, including individuals with special healthcare needs;
- communicating and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team and social disciplines for providing oral healthcare as a part of the overall well-being of patients;
- employing effective management skills coupled with a high level of ethics and professional responsibility;
- achieving Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry;
- evaluating evidence-based research and conducting scholarly activities; and
- participating in local and professional communities to advocate for the oral health of children and individuals with special healthcare needs.