Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry 
Kentucky Clinic Dentistry
University of Kentucky
A-218 Kentucky Clinic
740 S. Limestone
Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0284
Phone: (859) 323-5294
Fax: (859) 323-2036
Email: Cristina.Perez@uky.edu

Program Length and Number of Positions

Our program is a 24-month program commencing July 1 of each year. Four first year post-doctoral students (residents) are admitted each year.

Program Type

Our program is an Academic/Hospital Combined residency certificate program.

Application

Participants must apply through PASS (of ADEA) and the National matching Service. The application deadline is September 15 of the year proceeding matriculation. Correspondence and questions regarding application procedures and admission should be addressed to:

Dr. Cristina Perez, Program Director
Pediatric Dentistry
A-218 Kentucky Clinic
7420 S. Limestone
Lexington, KY 40536-0284

Description

The program is a two year hospital residency in the University of Kentucky Hospital, integrated with the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. It is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation and meets the advanced education requirements of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Successful completion of the program results in the awarding of a certificate from the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Curriculum

The curriculum is balanced between the didactic and the clinical, emphasizing evidence-based science foundational to the clinical care of children’s oral health. Basic courses, which are core to all specialty programs, are taken with other advanced education students in the UK College of Dentistry. These include: oral biology, research design and statistics, oral medicine, and oral pathology. Courses in orthodontic theory, technique, and practice are given by the Orthodontic faculty and a Board Certified private practice Orthodontist. Weekly seminars to review the research literature of pediatric dentistry are conducted by the pediatric dentistry faculty. Regular case conferences are scheduled to analyze cases being treated by residents and faculty members. A four week rotation in the Department of Anesthesia exposes the resident to the administration of general anesthesia. A four week rotation in the Department of Pediatrics focuses on the diagnosis and care of the ill child. Residents participate in weekly grand rounds of the Department of Pediatrics, and monthly grand rounds of the College of Dentistry.

Clinical out-patient care is in the clinic of Pediatric Dentistry of the Kentucky Clinic, UK Health Care’s ambulatory care facility. Experience in both Oral and IV conscious sedation is provided. Treatment of children under general anesthesia is conducted in the UK Hospital’s operating rooms as well as its surgery center. Residents participate in care for school children on the College of Dentistry mobile van, which visits area schools.

All residents are expected to conduct an empirical research project, and prepare the results for publication, prior to the awarding of the certificate.

Program Stipend and Tuition

The first year stipend is $64,822 and the second year stipend is $65,581. Stipends are adjusted each year. Residents in pediatric dentistry receive the same stipends as all other residents in the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Facilities

• College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky
• Kentucky Clinic (UK’s Ambulatory Care Facility)
• College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
• College of Public Health, University of Kentucky
• University of Kentucky Hospital and Children’s Hospital
• Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children
• Lexington Surgery Center
• College of Dentistry Mobile Dental Vans
• UK HealthCare - St. Claire (Morehead, KY)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following to be considered for admission:

• Be a graduate of a Commission on Dental Accreditation dental school, or Canadian equivalent.
• Complete a PASS application with the American Dental Education Association and participate in the National Matching Service.
• Submit a 2 x 2 photograph and current Curriculum Vitae directly to the program coordinator - cassellen.springer@uky.edu

Program Strengths

• Integrated Didactic and Clinical Education: A comprehensive curriculum that balances rigorous didactic instruction with immersive clinical training. Residents develop strong clinical competence through direct patient care while building a solid academic foundation in pediatric dentistry.
• Interdisciplinary Core Curriculum: Residents participate in a shared curriculum with other advanced education students in the College of Dentistry, covering oral biology, research design and statistics, oral medicine, anesthesia, oral photography, and oral pathology—encouraging academic breadth and interdisciplinary learning.
• Academic Hospital Residency: Full-time resident status at a quaternary care academic medical center, including an integrated children’s hospital, offers exposure to diverse and medically complex pediatric populations in a collaborative healthcare setting.
• Orthodontic Training: Didactic education is provided by the Division of Orthodontics, with clinical supervision from a board-certified orthodontist. Emphasis is placed on competencies essential for pediatric dentists in managing the developing occlusion.
• Pediatric Sedation Training: Residents gain extensive experience in the administration and management of pediatric minimal, moderate, and deep sedation, including IV and general anesthesia, in both dental and hospital-based settings.
• Teaching Responsibilities: Residents actively teach DMD students in both clinical and didactic environments. Responsibilities include supervising pediatric dental procedures, leading small group discussions, assisting with lectures, and mentoring students, all while strengthening leadership and communication skills.
• Literature Review Seminars: Weekly sessions are dedicated to the review and discussion of current and classic pediatric dentistry literature, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Participation in Grand Rounds with the Department of Pediatrics and regular interdisciplinary case conferences enhances collaboration and integrated care planning.
• Experienced Faculty: Residents are mentored by faculty with expertise in clinical care, research, education, public health, and leadership.
• Academic Health Sciences Environment: Located at the University of Kentucky, a land-grant, research-intensive university with over 25,000 students and a full complement of health science colleges, fostering interdisciplinary education and collaboration.

Program Faculty

*Cristina Perez DDS, MS: Program Director, Department Chair (Full-Time)
*Morgan Larkin DMD: Assistant Professor (Full-Time, Clinical Faculty)
Debora L.S. Scheffel DDS, MS, PhD: Assistant Professor (Full-Time)
*Megan Haggerty DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Lisa Kochis DDS, MS: Assistant Professor - Orthodontics (Part-Time)
*Jackie Banahan DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Julie Keller: DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Wendy Van Meter DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Frank Kendrick DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Kirby Hoetker DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Rodney Jackson DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
Eric Jacobson DMD: Assistant Professor (Part-Time)
*Ronald Singer DDS: Associate Professor – Public Health (Full-Time)

*Board Certified

School Profile

 

Program Type:	Certificate
Program Director:	Full-Time
Program Faculty:	4 Full-Time 9 Part-Time 11 Board Certified
Program Length:	24 Total Months July 1 Start Date
Program Accreditation:	Approved
State Licensure:	Restricted License Available
Number of Entering Positions:	4
Tuition In-State:	0 First Year 0 Second Year
Tuition Out-Of-State:	0 First Year 0 Second Year
Salary/Stipend:	64,822 First Year 65,581 Second Year
Application:	September 15, 2025 Deadline
Participant in National Matching Service:	Yes
Participant in PASS:	Yes
Only US citizens from ADA  accredited dental schools  considered:	No
US citizens from foreign dental  schools considered:	No
Non-US citizens from ADA  accredited dental schools  considered:	Yes
Non-US citizens from foreign  dental schools considered:	No
Acceptance Applicant Ratio:	1:40
Clinic Experience:	Orthodontics Conscious Sedation Hospital Rotations General Anesthesia Emergency Call Operating Room Oral Surgery Infant Oral Health Medically Compromised Mentally Disabled Craniofacial Disorders Physically Disabled Outreach Public Health Minimal and Moderate Sedations Special HealthCare Needs Behavior Guidance
Other Clinical Experience:	Nasoalveolar Molding Clinic
Didactic Experience:	Seminars Literature Review Courses Case Conferences Lectures
Research Requirement:	Data Collection Project
Teaching Experience:	Yes Clinic Half-days Yes Lecture/Presentations
Facilities:	8 Chair/Operatories 2 Clinic Receptionist 6 Dental Assistants 1.5 Dental Hygienists