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MIORGNATOWN, W. Va.–The West Virginia University School of Dentistry said that they will become the first institution in the state to offer a residency in pediatric dentistry.
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry has received preliminary approval from the Commission on Dental Accreditation for the first residents to enroll in the two-year program in July 2024.
“To be able to begin recruiting for our new pediatric dentistry residency program is essential for our goal as a land-grant institution to advance health care, specifically the oral health care of children, in West Virginia,” Dr. Dami Kim, residency program director, said.
More than asthma, childhood obesity, or diabetes cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, surpassing asthma, childhood obesity and diabetes. Further, residents of the Appalachian region face barriers to access to oral health care which leads to some of the poorest outcomes in the nation.
The first pediatric dentistry residency program in the state will support the University’s land-grant mission to advance education and health care by expanding dental care to the youngest residents of the state.
The program is intended to teach dentists about childhood growth and development and methods to accommodate children who may fear the dentist and how to address complicated medical histories some children may have.
Graduates will earn a certificate of specialty training in pediatric dentistry and will meet the advanced eligibility requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.