Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special healthcare needs.
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
Pediatric dentists manage oral health of children, including prevention, diagnosis and treatment, behavior guidance, sedation, trauma, and special needs care.
Common Procedures:
- Child prophylaxis & fluoride applications
- Restorative care in primary teeth
- Pulp therapy (pulpotomy/pulpectomy)
- Orthodontic interceptive procedures
- Sedation and general anesthesia for children
- Trauma management
- Care for special healthcare needs patients
Professional Roles
Pediatric Dentistry specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Private Practice: Associate or owning pediatric dental practice
- Academic: Teaching, research and clinical supervision
- Hospital: Providing care in hospital OR or trauma settings
- Public Health: Community clinics, school-based programs
Clinical Settings
Pediatric Dentistry specialists practice in diverse environments:
- Standalone pediatric dental offices
- Hospital-based programs
- University dental clinics
- Community health centers
Specialty Outlook
The pediatric dentistry profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- 20% projected growth (2014–2024)
- Increasing need in underserved and special needs populations
- Rising demand for sedation and hospital dentistry
Digital Innovation
Pediatric Dentistry is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- Digital behavior management tools
- 3D imaging for trauma cases
- Tele-dentistry for consultations
Patient Experience
Modern pediatric dentistry emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Family-centered, behaviorally informed care
- Sedation/GA options for anxious or special needs children
- Coordinated care with pediatricians and specialists
Student Journey Roadmap
Pre‑Dental Preparation
Dental School Years 1‑4
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS or DMD from CODA-accredited school
- Minimum GPA: 3.3
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.5+
- Core Courses: Strong performance in pediatric, pharmacology, behavior sciences
- Research Experience: Recommended, bolsters application
Standardized Tests
- NBDE: NBDE I/II or INBDE (pass required)
- TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 3
- Types:
- • Dental school dean or director
- • Pediatric dentist faculty or preceptor
- • Research or clinical mentor
- Emphasis: Highlight pediatric-focused clinical aptitude
Research Experience
- Clinical or community pediatric research
- Publications or presentations strengthen profile
Clinical Experience
- Shadow pediatric dentists (≥30 hours)
- Volunteer in pediatric or community clinics
- Exposure to hospital dentistry or sedation protocols
Application Components
- ADEA PASS application
- Supplemental essays
- Application fees ($70–150/program)
- Personal statement (focus pediatric motivation)
- CV/resume
- Official transcripts
- Photo (per program)
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: 3.5+
- Target GRE Verbal:
- Target GRE Quantitative:
- Research Publications: 1+ clinical/community-focused
- Shadowing Hours: 30+ hours
- Extracurriculars: Leadership in pediatric/dental organizations
Application Deadlines & Timeline
PASS Opens
ADEA PASS application system opens
Request Letters
Secure 3 letters of recommendation
Submit PASS
Complete and submit primary application
Interviews
Programs conduct interviews
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
≈25:1 applicants to seats
Average GPA
3.5+
Program Duration
2-3
Average Tuition
Varies (often none/tuition-waived)
Starting Salary
$58K–$78K stipend
Tips for Success
- Solid Academics: Maintain a GPA of 3.5+ and good DAT scores
- Research Involvement: Participate in research activities
- Clinical Experience: Shadow specialists in the field
- Extracurriculars: Be involved in dental organizations
- Strong Application: Write compelling personal statements
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
2–3 years
Weekly Schedule
Mix of clinical, didactic, hospital rotations
Research Requirements
Many programs require thesis or capstone
Degrees Awarded
- Certificate
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD)
Clinical Training
- Preventive/restorative care
- Sedation and general anesthesia dentistry
- Behavior management
- Trauma and emergency care
- Interceptive orthodontics
- Care for special needs children
- Hospital dentistry rotations
Didactic Education
- Pediatric growth and development
- Behavior management theories
- Pharmacology for children
- Sedation and anesthesia principles
- Child oral pathology
- Community/public health dentistry
Research Activities
- Thesis or project
- Statistical analysis
- Literature review
- Community program evaluation
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Generally moderate hours with some evening or call duties in hospital rotations
Career Satisfaction
High fulfillment treating children and special‑needs patients
Practice Environment
Family‑centered, child‑friendly clinical settings
Physical Demands
Moderate: procedures on small patients, ergonomics important
Day-in-the-Life
Morning Clinic
See preventive, restorative, or sedation cases
Lunch & Didactic
Seminars, case discussions
Afternoon Clinics
Behavior‑focused care, trauma, sedation
Hospital Rotation
OR cases or inpatient consultations
End‑of‑Day Notes
Charting, planning, sometimes on‑call
Career Perspective
Second‑Year Resident
More hospital and sedation experience, mentoring juniors
In second year I manage OR cases under GA, lead behavior‑management workshops, and refine treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is pediatric dentistry?
Roughly 25 applicants per seat with a ~60% overall match rate.
Do pediatric dentistry programs pay a stipend?
Yes—many university and hospital programs pay stipends of $58K–$78K/year.
How long is pediatric dentistry residency?
Typically 2–3 years, depending on certificate vs MS path.