Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Located within the School of Dentistry, the Department of Pediatric Dentistry houses 9 full-time and 8 part-time faculty members, as well as 12 adjunct faculty. It offers an Advanced Educational Program in Pediatric Dentistry, which is designed to provide the educational background and atmosphere necessary for training future clinical and academic leaders in Pediatric Dentistry. Advanced education provides students with an in-depth understanding of, and clinical expertise in, the practice of dentistry for children and others with developmental disabilities. Pediatric dentistry is a specialty of an age group rather than a specific technique; therefore, extensive knowledge concerning normal growth and development, behavior management, and all phases of prevention-oriented dentistry in healthy and compromised patients is required. The programs in Pediatric Dentistry prepare students for careers in community practice and/or academics and board certification status in pediatric dentistry. In order to fulfill the needs and interests of students and satisfy the qualifications for certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, two programs are available. These include a Certification Program, and a Certification/Degree Program. The Certification Program is designed to provide an individualized training experience that will prepare graduates for leadership roles as clinicians. Successful completion of this program leads to a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. The Certification/Degree Program prepares graduates for leadership roles either as clinicians or academicians. Successful completion of this program leads to a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Science degree.
In collaboration with the joint basic science departments at The University of Alabama School of Dentistry, the Department of Pediatric Dentistry offers graduate studies leading to a Master of Science with emphasis in Oral Biology. The objective of the program is to relate basic biological sciences to health and disease of the oral cavity. This program prepares dentists/scientists for careers in dental academics and teaching as well as in basic and/or applied research. Areas of specialization include basic science research in oral microbiology and immunology, biochemistry, and cell biology. Students are required to pursue studies in oral biology, in the basic biological sciences, and in clinical research. These studies include coursework, seminars, journal club, and a laboratory component. Coursework includes formal lectures and courses offered by the basic sciences departments, the School of Public Health, the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine. Seminars cover a wide array of topics relevant to oral biology and are organized jointly by the School of Dentistry and the Comprehensive Training Program for Clinical, Biomaterials or Immunological Research. Six faculty members within the Department of Pediatric Dentistry are actively engaged in biological sciences research that represents a variety of oral and basic biomedical disciplines within the Medical Center. Furthermore, many Joint Health Sciences faculty are preceptors for the Oral Biology Graduate Program. The environment for interaction within the University via the many Centers and shared facilities provides additional resources that foster a variety of research opportunities. Current research interests include oral microbiology, extracellular matrix biochemistry, oral immunology, and salivary macromolecules and molecular epidemiology. The diversity of these interests offers additional opportunities for students to learn in a stimulating research environment.
The department has 4 FTE of faculty involved in funded NIH research projects with approximately $2.5 million in annual research support. In addition, the Department has access to sophisticated and advanced laboratory equipment within the School of Dentistry and the many UAB Centers. This includes electron microscopes, quantitative PCR, mass spectrometers, confocal laser scanning microscopes, gas chromatography equipment, molecular biology equipment, and ultracentrifuges.
For more information contact the Department Chair:
Dr. Noel K. Childers
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
School of Dentistry
1919 7th Ave. South, SDB 304
Birmingham, AL 35294-0007
Phone Number: 205-934-1315
Fax Number: 205-934-7013