We are a University and hospital-based, 24-month certificate program.
By design, more than 80% of total resident time is spent in clinical activity.
The following are among the many strengths of our program:
- Highly-trained, experienced and approachable faculty. The majority are board-certified and many are well-known within the specialty of pediatric dentistry for their expertise, advocacy and leadership.
- A large pediatric patient population, which includes medically-complex, behaviorally-challenged and special needs children.
- Located on one of only four fully integrated academic health centers in the nation, which promotes collaboration with other dental, medical and allied health professionals in the treatment of pediatric patients.
- Low cost of living and a growing economy.
The application deadline is October 15th of the year preceding your intended start date.
At least (3) positions are available each year.
Candidates for admission to this pediatric dentistry residency program must be US citizens, permanent US residents (i.e., Green Card holders) or Canadian citizens. They must also possess a DDS or DMD degree (or non-US equivalent) and be eligible for an Oklahoma Dental Resident Limited License prior to the start of the residency.
We participate in PASS only.
Yes. Qualified candidates will be invited to complete a personal interview in Oklahoma City. The interviews are generally scheduled on the first Saturday in December (with a social the night before).
Personality, cooperation, and participating as a team player play a large role in your acceptance. As a resident, you will be working very closely with your co-residents and faculty as a team, and it is crucial that your personalities align. Communication skills, as well as professional interactions with patients and coworkers, are a big determining factor. Volunteer and outreach experiences will be considered favorably. Though research isn’t a requirement, it can aid in the selection process. This is especially true of pediatric dentistry related research presentations. Personal statements and strong letters of recommendation from predoctoral faculty will also be strongly considered as part of the selection process.
Oklahoma City is the twentieth largest city in the United States; our patient population is large and diverse. The ratio of pediatric dentists to children in our state is 6:100,000 (vs. 9:100,000 nationally). Moreover, 66 of Oklahoma's 77 counties are classified as dental health shortage areas, which contributes to the high demand for affordable pediatric dental services.
Emergency call at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is covered 24/7 by the pediatric dentistry residents and most rotations occur there are well. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is the state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and serves as a comprehensive regional hub for trauma-related care, including children.
Residents will be on-call every 3rd week. The Chief Residents are extremely conscientious about making the call schedules as accommodating as possible. When schedule swaps are needed, you should find it relatively easy to find another resident to switch with you.
Unlike the northeast and west coasts, life is affordable on a resident’s salary. Oklahoma City offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you’d expect in a thriving, modern metropolis. Our campus is just a few minutes from the city center and nearby Bricktown, an early-day warehouse area that has been transformed into one of the fastest growing entertainment districts in the southwest. Next door is the Paycom Arena, home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team, live concerts and world-class events.