University of Michigan

Graduate courses leading to the Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry degree are designed to prepare qualified dentists for specialized private practice, teaching, research, or service within a large hospital. The course of study includes seminars, lectures, demonstrations, and clinical experiences on physical and psychological growth and development, pulpal management and restoration of the primary and young permanent dentitions, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management of behavior, and diagnosis and treatment of selected Class I and Class II malocclusions. In addition, significant blocks of time are dedicated to hospital training and treatment of patients under general anesthesia and management of the medically compromised patient both at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor and facilities in Flint.

All residents spend the first 12-months of the program in Ann Arbor engaged in coursework, patient care, and development of a research project. Five residents selected through MATCH spend the second 12-months engaged in advanced clinical training in Flint at Mott Children’s Health Center and Hurley Hospital. Mott Children’s Health Center is a technologically- advanced multi-disciplinary clinic whose services (including pediatric dentistry) are provided at no-cost to families, allowing for the highest-quality of care irrespective of the family’s ability to pay. The graduate student in our one non-Match position continues advanced clinical training in both the School of Dentistry and University of Michigan Hospitals. The final six months of the program are mainly spent in Ann Arbor engaged in completion of research, teaching of predoctoral dental students, and advanced clinical activities.

This program provides mentored research experiences and is fully accredited by the ADA Council on Dental Education.

The major objectives of the program are to:

1  Develop the ability to direct the child’s behavior during dental treatment and to guide the child-parent-dentist relationship triad as it relates to oral health.

2  Obtain proficiency in diagnostic, operative, and surgical procedures for the primary, mixed, and immature permanent dentition.

3  Secure knowledge and proficiency in hospital dental care protocols and the dental treatment of children with special health care needs.

4  Gain knowledge and experience to interact with health care providers in a hospital setting.

5  Diagnose and treat any condition affecting traumatized teeth and adjacent tissues.

6  Learn scientifically-based preventive oral health and be able to institute oral health programs in practice.

7  Gain knowledge and experience in the physical appraisal of the developing child and in the correction of alteration in development related to normal growth, chronic illness, and debilitating conditions.

8  Develop knowledge of investigative procedures and the evaluation of scientific reporting of original data.

9  Be able to use pharmacologic agents for managing the health, safety, and behavior of all pediatric patients including those with special health care needs.

10  Guide and work efficiently with dental auxiliaries during dental treatment of children and adolescents.

11  Supervise and teach predoctoral students in clinical pediatric dentistry, present case histories, lead seminars, and attend teaching rounds at educational facilities or hospitals.

12  Gain knowledge and experience to interact with peers and community-based health care programs as an advocate for children’s oral health.

To complete the program of study, original investigation of an issue pertinent to the practice of pediatric dentistry must be reported in a thesis.

Five candidates will be selected via MATCH. The 2025-26 stipend level will be approximately $39,000 for the first year, $52,000 for the second year, and $27,500 for the third half-year. Tuition information for Pediatric Dentistry is located at this website: https://www.dent.umich.edu/education/pediatric-dentistry-graduate-program-ms.  In addition to the 5 MATCH candidates, one position is filled outside of the MATCH and applicants with dental degrees from both ADA and non ADA-accredited dental schools will be considered.  

Upon completion of requirements, the graduate receives a Master of Science degree and a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Michigan and meets the advanced education eligibility requirements for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination.

The 2025-2026 stipend level will be approximately $39,000 for the first year; $52,000 for the second year; and $27,500 for the third half-year.

This program participates in MATCH and 5 candidates will be selected for MATCH.  One candidate will be selected for our single non-MATCH position and applicants with dental degrees from both ADA and non ADA-accredited dental schools will be considered for this position.   

The 5 MATCH candidates and the one non-MATCH candidate will be contacted about completing an application to the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School and submitting any required documents.