Pediatric dentistry offers an extensive range of services for patients through multiple programs. Several interdisciplinary programs involve collaborations with multiple departments throughout OHSU School of Dentistry (orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and integrative biomedical and diagnostic sciences ) and OHSU School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (Craniofacial, Hematology-Oncology, Child development, Pulmonology, and Cardiology) and Department of Anesthesiology.

Pediatric Specialty Residency program

OHSU School of Dentistry offers an advanced certificate in pediatric dentistry through a pediatric specialty residency program. The residency is based at the OHSU School of Dentistry and the Doernbecher Children's Hospital. The key objective is to prepare future leaders, educators, mentors and researchers in the specialty of pediatric dentistry, as well as exemplary clinicians who are ready to serve in private practice and community public health. The 24-month program provides specialty-level training in the delivery of preventive and comprehensive oral health care for infants, children and adolescents with special emphasis on caring for children with special health care needs.

This program is fully accredited by the ADA Council on Dental Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA. Upon successful completion, the resident receives a certificate in pediatric dentistry from OHSU School of Dentistry and meets the advanced education eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Pediatrics within D.M.D.

The curriculum in pediatric dentistry offers course work for the treatment of children and adolescents in various settings. There is an emphasis on community outreach programs and improving the oral health of underserved children. The curriculum focuses on the anatomic, physiologic and psychological differences; the changes that occur as children become adults; and the dental care modifications that are necessary. After acquiring foundational knowledge and skills required to work with younger patients through lectures, simulations, observations and clinical assessments, students will provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients in their third and fourth year. 

Pediatric Dentistry Leadership

James Katancik, D.D.S, Ph.D. , Professor and Chair, Regenerative and Reconstructive Sciences Department

Jacy Stauffer, D.M.D., Assistant Professor and Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program Director

Meet our Residents and Faculty

This is a Commission on Dental Accreditation-approved, combined university- and hospital-based program offering a certificate degree. The program occurs over 24 months, beginning annually in mid-June. Four MATCH positions are offered on a yearly cycle to dentists from ADA-accredited (U.S. and Canadian) dental schools.

Learn more about the advanced education programs at the OHSU School of Dentistry.

Pediatric grand rounds schedule

Application

The program application deadline is October 1 of each year, pending matriculation. The program participates in the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS). Applications can be requested by contacting PASS at 800-353-2237 or by email. The PASS deadline is September 15. The selected candidates are invited for an interview after the review of the completed application. Resident selection takes place through the Postdoctoral Dental Matching program. Visit the Matching Program website for further information or call the 416-977-3431. 

Learn more about residency at OHSU through the School of Medicine's Graduate Medical Education site.

Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
OHSU School of Dentistry
2730 S. Moody Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201-5042
Phone: 503-494-6244

School of Dentistry Admissions website
Admissions email

Other correspondence may be addressed to:
Jacy Stauffer, D.M.D., Program Director
Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry
Oregon Health and Science University
RLSB 5N031
2730 S. Moody Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201
Email Dr. Stauffer

Pediatric Dentistry Single Day Externship Experience

Thank you for your interest in our program! The OHSU Pediatric Dentistry externship offers the chance to gain firsthand experience within a pediatric dentistry residency, while providing an opportunity to learn from our residents and faculty. Our externship duration is one day at OHSU. 

Externs will shadow in the pediatric dental clinics where they will see a variety of clinical procedures including restorative treatment under moderate sedation, restorative treatment with nitrous oxide, and routine preventive care. Externs will also receive a full tour of the hospital campus where our residents rotate through various medical disciplines, as well as treat medically complex patients in our Doernbecher Clinic and OR suite.

No application will be considered until it is fully complete. OHSU does not have student housing; it's the extern's responsibility to make their own housing arrangements here in Portland, as well as cover their travel and personal expenses. 

Qualifications:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a green card indicating that you are a permanent resident of the United States.
• You must be a graduate from or currently enrolled as a 3^rd or 4^th year dental student in good standing from a CODA approved dental school in the US or Canada

You must submit a complete application, including:

• OHSU Pediatric Dentistry Externship application form
• A personal statement of your overall interests and what you hope to gain from your externship experience
• An up-to-date CV
• Verification of the following immunizations: Rubella, Rubeola, Varicella, and COVID-19; as well as Tuberculin and Hepatitis B status.

Please scan all application materials in one single attachment and email to:

José Gutiérrez
Subject: Peds Externship Application

The clinical curriculum provides out-patient and in-patient experiences in delivery of pediatric medical and dental care, based on scientific research. Direct patient care in pediatric dentistry clinics and pediatric operating rooms is the primary clinical activity. Residents in pediatric dentistry also have the opportunity to provide consultations to a variety of medical services in the hospital and to participate in multidisciplinary health care teams within the medical center. Residents also obtain a certification in Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

CODA required rotations with the department of pediatrics, department of emergency medicine and the section of pediatric anesthesiology. Other rotations include the craniofacial, hematology-oncology, survivorship, feeding, leadership and education in neurodevelopmental disabilities (LEND) and community outreach. Our preeminent multidisciplinary team is readily available to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to each patient.

Didactic seminars include lectures in the biomedical sciences including biostatistics, investigational medicine, anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, embryology and genetics. Core courses include seminars in cariology and preventive dentistry, pulp therapy for primary and permanent teeth, restorative dentistry, dental trauma, behavior guidance, moderate sedation, special patient care, dental anomalies and oral pathology. Core courses in growth and development and orthodontics include seminars in craniofacial growth and development, interceptive orthodontics, cephalometrics and occlusion.

Research includes the completion and submission of an original research paper of publishable quality and presentation of that paper at a scientific forum such as the AADR, IADR, IAPD and AAPD annual sessions.

Pediatric dentistry faculty members are committed to world-class resident education and research, and fostering creativity and innovation. Our teaching expertise will inspire and motivate the future scholars who will advance the frontiers of the oral health sciences.