The Cooper University Hospital Pediatric Dental Residency Program is a 24-month hospital-based certificate program. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”* as of March 2022. The program prepares residents for practice in pediatric dentistry and achieve certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Residents receive in-depth training in pediatric dentistry, providing comprehensive care to infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. The program accepts three residents per year.
Specific attention is focused on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic behavior management techniques including:
- treatment of patients under conscious sedation
- pulp and periodontal therapy
- growth and development, and
- management of traumatic injuries and emergency care.
Residents are provided diverse experiences in anesthesiology, pediatric medicine, operating room dentistry, comprehensive care for patients with special health care needs and child development. Additionally, residents receive exposure to various phases of craniofacial and cleft palate treatment planning through collaboration with the Cooper University Hospital Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team. The residency program is affiliated with Pediatric Dental Associates and Special Smiles, LTD.
Utilizing our growing education and outreach program, residents have the opportunity to train and educate fellow healthcare professionals, parents, and children about the importance of oral health. Residents also conduct oral health screenings at schools, early learning centers, daycares, HeadStart programs, and community health organizations.
*The program in pediatric dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”. 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. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/en. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has accredited the program in pediatric dentistry. However, accreditation of the program does not in itself constitute recognition of any dental specialty status.