OU College of Dentistry Launches State’s First Pediatric Residency

This summer, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry launched the state’s first pediatric dental residency, a two-year program that trains new dentists in the care of children, with a special emphasis on those with medical complexities and developmental conditions. In doing so, the college aims to grow the workforce of pediatric dentists in Oklahoma and increase access to comprehensive oral health care.

Three dental residents began their training in July, working with college faculty members and health care providers from a variety of other health disciplines. The residency is directed by David Ciesla, D.D.S., a clinical assistant professor in the OU College of Dentistry. Ciesla said the program will equip residents not only with extensive skills but also with the ability to advocate for their patients and the profession on the state and national levels.

“The demand for specialized pediatric dental services in Oklahoma is significant, making the training of pediatric dentists crucial for improving the oral health of children in the state,” Ciesla said. “Good oral health is linked to overall health, as well as quality of life. Studies show that kids with poor oral health tend to have poor academic performance in school. Oral health can also affect sleep, growth, development and nutrition. We created this program so that we will have more specialists to meet the treatment needs of children in our state.”

The dental needs of Oklahoma children are significant. According to the Oklahoma Oral Health Coalition, children in the state have more untreated cavities than the national average; those from Hispanic, Black and Native American communities are especially affected, as well as children from low-income households. Of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, 66 are classified as shortage areas for dental providers.

In the residency, which is 80% patient care and 20% educational, residents learn the skills and approaches that are unique to children with varying needs. Some children have dental issues but are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Others may be awaiting an organ transplant.

“Those patients are at higher risk because their immune systems can’t manage a cavity infection if it becomes systemic,” said Autumn Hurd, D.D.S., assistant director of the residency program and a clinical assistant professor in the college. “We collaborate with other health professionals, such as oncologists and transplant physicians, to ensure the treatment is provided in a way that keeps the patient safe.”

Because much of the residents’ training takes place on the OU Health Sciences campus, they interact with providers from numerous medical and nursing specialties, as well professionals from other areas, such as allied health and pharmacy. The OU Health Sciences campus is one of only a few in the nation to have seven health professional colleges on the same campus. Learning in that setting will help the residents make similar connections when they establish their own careers.

“This residency provides a good foundation for us to springboard from and become part of the larger health community caring for children,” said resident Samantha Collins, D.D.S. “Every day, we talk to different types of physicians and providers to coordinate care. The interdisciplinary interactions require a lot of learning, but it’s nice to be a part of the bigger picture of a patient’s well-being.”

Residents also see young patients who have autism, Down syndrome, sensory disorders or other conditions that might make a dental visit scary or distressing. Each patient’s visit is individualized, and many times, actual dental care isn’t provided until the child is comfortable in the clinic.

The dentists follow a “tell, show, do” approach of familiarizing the child with exam rooms and equipment and visiting with parents and caregivers. Sometimes the dentist may need to be silly and fun, but always patient and willing to meet children where they are.

“I really enjoy the process of helping a child who is uncomfortable become comfortable,” said resident John Gavel, D.D.S. “On the first visit, we may just push the button on the chair and watch it go up and down, and maybe the next visit, they sit in the chair while it goes up and down. We also bring the parents into the process. I recently had a patient get into the chair for the first time. It was a monumental thing for the child and the parent. Those things may seem little, but they’re really big.”

Most of the dental services on campus are provided at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic located at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. There, residents learn advanced sedation techniques and are part of the team caring for children for whom general anesthesia is required in an operating room. Along with their faculty members, the residents also provide trauma-related dental care for the hospital’s 24/7 pediatric emergency room.

Off campus, residents see patients at Variety Care, a federally qualified health center. In addition, residents are required to conduct a research project and present their findings at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry annual conference. They also will provide dental education and exams at community events, such as the Special Olympics, and take part in public policy advocacy.

“We really want to help our pediatric dentistry residents establish the mindset of ‘What can I do to help out?’ beyond the dental care they provide,” Ciesla said. “They will learn how to interact with policymakers and lobbyists, and we will guide them in becoming advocates for kids and for the services we provide.”

The pediatric residency program is accredited by Commission on Dental Accreditation. It also aligns with the OU Health Sciences strategic plan to expand access to affordable oral health care, reduce health disparities and meet the health care workforce demands for the state.

“The OU College of Dentistry is excited to welcome our first three residents to the pediatric program, and we know they will make a difference in children’s lives throughout their careers,” said Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “Oral health is an essential component of overall health, and healthy habits begin early in one’s life. This program will help the college fulfill our mission of improving the oral health of Oklahomans by expanding access to care for some of our state’s most vulnerable patients.”