Pedo residencies

[Dukie]

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Ok, I know I am begging for answers such as the one that accepts you or they are all good, but what are considered the best pediatric dental residencies? I'm not necessarily looking for a ranking list, but just which are considered to give you the best education, have the best reputation, etc. Any thoughts?

 

[Austin1]

From what I have gathered here and from past applicants:

Cincy
Indiana
Baylor
San Antonio
Ohio State
Florida

These are in no order. P.S. The best program is where you match 😀 I had to say it.

 

[MStarr]

You're right there is no "best" program.
They all offer good experience if one takes advantage of them.
That said here are a few things I would keep in mind regarding your choice:

You do want hospital experience, but I wouldn't see this as a selling point - private practice is wholly different from hospital dentistry.

Be certain the area has a decent size patient pool to include kids with rampant decay - it's all about experience and exposure.

Some areas of the country have a higher incidence of certain types of syndromes or a heavy case load of disabled children - all good experience.

Some programs have very good ortho exposure . . . nice, but only necessary if you want to head in that direction.

Certain inner city programs have very good trauma and "on call" experience. This type of call is trying but indeed a good experience.

Most offer decent teaching experience - but absolutely not needed for private practice.

Admittedly I am biased being dual trained in pedo and anesthesiology, but be sure to get experience in office based outpatient general anesthesia cases. Trust me, you will be needing this service - and I prefer to work with someone that is somewhat familiar with what I am doing.

The following aren't deal breakers but be certain that you like the facilities and equipment. Be certain that you could live in that location for 2+ years.

Consider yourself lucky to be admitted to any program, no really.

 

[capisce?]

You do want hospital experience, but I wouldn't see this as a selling point - private practice is wholly different from hospital dentistry.

I think that it depends on the hospital program. Here in cinci we do get a very large medical component, but we still treat a majority of ASA 1/2 kids, and our clinic is handled similar to private practice with regards to booking, etc. Of course, a private practice comprised of medicaid patients. Before we slowed the schedule to allow for axium training, we would cover 50+ patients a day if on hygiene and 10-15 patients on tx chairs. I think this is as close to private practice as you can get for a residency. We also go to satellite clinics of the hospital and cover multiple chairs to simulate private practice. We are all digital with radiographs, computers in every op, and have access to good quality materials (ie tph, estheix, z250 many resin choices, mta if necessary), rotary endo, etc. I think it really depends on the program.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Before we slowed the schedule to allow for axium training, we would cover 50+ patients a day if on hygiene and 10-15 patients on tx chairs.

Ugh, axium. 👎

 

[WS2004]

Axium?

 

[Dukie]

Anybody else?

 

[2thdoc4kidz]

I've got to say it because so many people have told me this: "the best pedo program is the one you get in to!"

While that is true to some extent, I still have to admit that I want to go to a program where I believe I will get the best all-around pediatric dental education. I externed this summer at what I think are two of the best:

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Baylor

I was EXTREMELY impressed with both programs: the faculty, residents, facilities, etc. I would consider myself blessed to attend either of these.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I've got to say it because so many people have told me this: "the best pedo program is the one you get in to!"

While that is true to some extent, I still have to admit that I want to go to a program where I believe I will get the best all-around pediatric dental education. I externed this summer at what I think are two of the best:

Both statements are correct, they are just made from opposite ends of the application process. When you apply you want to go to the program that will meet all of your needs. That's why you rank programs. The match forces you to quantify (the best you can) what it is you want from a program and to order the programs.

After you match you get what you get. And you'll be happy with what you get because you don't have much choice. If you break your match agreement then you can't participate in the match (for several years?), and so you'll effectively not become a pediatric dentist. Very literally, after the best program IS the one you get into. They'll be better programs out there (and not everybody will match to their #1), but none of that matters after the match.

 

[yojimbo53]

I personally was very impressed with the program at Milwaukee. Give them a look if you are interested in living in the Midwest.

 

[Dukie]

bump

 

[wodie79]

Just do your research.

If you want trauma experience, look for a program where you will be on call a little more (where they take less residents). If you are looking to teach in the future, look for the programs that offer a masters. If you wnat sedation experience you have to ask b/c some programs don't do much of it b/c the majority of private practices don't sedate.

Apply to alot of places and try to ask the "right" questions at your interviews. You will know which programs fit your personality the best and which one's are just not for you.

For me, I am at a program with 3 other residents (they accept 2 per year) in an environment where I am treated like a colleague, not a resident. I like that relationship alot more than a "school" situation where my prophys are being checked and my charts are being nit picked to death. I am on call a lot, which is hard at first, but am seeing so much great trauma (oxymoron) that it will be worth it in the end.

If you do it right, the match is truly a match.

 

[DrReo]

From what I have gathered here and from past applicants:

Cincy
Indiana
Baylor
San Antonio
Ohio State
Florida

These are in no order. P.S. The best program is where you match 😀 I had to say it.

?
How does Michigan and Minnesota compare to these programs?

 

[jal77]

Ok here's my take on which residency is the best.
There are definately programs out there that are stronger in certain areas over others. However, there is a structure that all pediatric dental residencies must follow; I do believe you can get a great education wherever you go.
That being said, there are two types of applicants:
1. The applicant that has just graduated dental school- I think this type of applicant definately would benefit from a program that provides great structure (whether it be hospital based or univer. based). This type of applicant might need that structure to benefit most and guide them in the right direction.
2. The applicant that has graduated from dental school and has been practicing for a few years.- This type of applicant is good and bad. The obvious problem with this type of applicant is- how coachable is he/she? How set in his/her ways are they?
On the other hand, if the resident has the proper motivation, this person can benefit from any program out there. This resident has experienced the real-world and should appreciate what a post graduate residency can provide for them. Even if this applicant matches at a program that might be 'not as strong' in certain areas, he/she should be able to independently get 'all they can' from the program.
I'd like to hear your thoughts... Sorry if some of this was disjointed...i'm just writing on stream of consciousness... 🙂