David Ciesla, D.D.S., MS, M.A.S. - OU College of Dentistry
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Faculty and Staff Contacts

David Ciesla, D.D.S., MS, M.A.S.

David Ciesla, D.D.S., M.S., M.A.S.

Board-Certified, Pediatric Dentistry

Director, Pediatric Dentistry Residency

Clinical Assistant Professor

405/271-6056 Ext. 34159

David-Ciesla@ouhsc.edu


Dr. David Ciesla serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Developmental Sciences at the University of Oklahoma's College of Dentistry. His faculty position currently holds two responsibilities, serving in the undergraduate pediatric department and as Program Director for the General Practice Residency at Oklahoma Children's Hospital. He has been actively working on the development and accreditation of a pediatric dental residency program with the targeted start date of July 2024.

In 2003, Dr. Ciesla graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry and subsequently joined the Army.  During his military service, he completed an Advanced Education in General

Dentistry residency in Landstuhl, Germany. After a year-long tour in Baghdad, Iraq, he pursued pediatric dental training at Baylor College of Dentistry, earning a Master of Science degree in 2008.

Once his military service concluded, Dr. Ciesla transitioned into private practice, becoming a co-owner of River Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Throughout this time, he held several notable positions, such as public policy advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, board examiner and consultant for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a committee member for Arkansas's Medicaid Board.

Dr. Ciesla is also committed to research, primarily focused on enhancing access to oral healthcare and developing workforce capacity. His current research is geared towards understanding and improving the accessibility of oral healthcare for underserved populations in Oklahoma, with a particular interest in the effect of social determinants on access to the healthcare system.  

His commitment to addressing these issues is further evidenced by his recent Master's degree in Global Health Planning and Management from Johns Hopkins University. His studies were primarily concentrated on access to healthcare services and strategies to boost workforce capability.  Presently, Dr. Ciesla is actively leading several local and global initiatives to mitigate disparities in oral healthcare.


Education:

Doctor of Dental Surgery, Baylor College of Dentistry, 2003

Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Army

Pediatric Dental Training, Master of Science degree, Baylor College of Dentistry, 2008


Organizations and Professional Associations:

American College of Dentists, 2021-present

American Dental Association 2003-present

American Dental Association, Global Health Task Force, 2020-present

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 2009-present

American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 2009-present

Arkansas Society of Pediatric Dentists, officer 2012-2021

International College of Dentists, 2020-present

International Association of Pediatric Dentistry, 2020-present

Odonatological Honor Society, 2002-2003

Omicron Kappa Upsilon, 2003-present

Pierre Fauchard Academy, 2016-present

Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry 2016-present


Select Honors and Accomplishments:

Odontological Honor Society, Baylor College of Dentistry, 2002-2003

Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Baylor College of Dentistry, 2003

US Army Achievement Medal, 2005,2011

US Army Commendation Medal, 2005

Richard C. Pugh Award, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 2009

Outstanding Professional Achievement Award, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, 2024

Ann Page Humanitarian Award, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 2024