how do i become a pediatric dentist?

[pastor's wife]

do i simply find a residency program and complete it or are there exams like clinical exam in dental school that i have to take?

after finishing a residency program, how do i look for a job?

thanks!

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[Dr. Dai Phan]

do i simply find a residency program and complete it or are there exams like clinical exam in dental school that i have to take?

after finishing a residency program, how do i look for a job?

thanks!

To become a dental specialist, you need to be enrolled in an accredited RESIDENCY program in which it is a three year I believe for your specialty. Once you passed the examinations in your program, then you are awarded a certificate meaning you are a dental specialist. Now, to advertise yourself as a pediatric dentist in your state, you need to apply which is mostly paperwork stuff. For my specialty, I do not need to do any kind of clinical testings at all in the State of New Mexico. Look in ADA journals for job slots is a way to go. DP

 

[Jediwendell]

To become a dental specialist, you need to be enrolled in an accredited RESIDENCY program in which it is a three year I believe for your specialty. Once you passed the examinations in your program, then you are awarded a certificate meaning you are a dental specialist. Now, to advertise yourself as a pediatric dentist in your state, you need to apply which is mostly paperwork stuff. For my specialty, I do not need to do any kind of clinical testings at all in the State of New Mexico. Look in ADA journals for job slots is a way to go. DP

Actually, most pediatric dental residencies are 2 years. So to answer the origional question: To become a pediatric dentist you have to complete dental school and a 2 (there are a few 30-36 months programs, but rare) year dental residency. Upon completion of your residency from an accredited program you are a peditric dentist. There is no "examination" required to graduate from your residency. Some states require you to take a written and/or clinical exam to call yourself a specialist and practice as one in their state. As for jobs, the ADA journal pretty much only has general dental jobs and "dental mill" jobs working for big corporations. The AAPD journal has job listings which would be a much better place to look.
Hope this clears things up a bit.
Jedi's wife, Emily (practicing pediatric dentist)