The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry launched the first pediatric dental residency program in the state.
The two-year program is 80% patient care and 20% didactic, and is focused on training residents to provide dental care to children with an emphasis on care for children with medical complexities and developmental conditions, according to an Aug. 14 news release from the university.
The residency is directed by David Ciesla, DDS, a clinical assistant professor at the college. Three dental residents began the residency in July.
The program is intended to increase the number of dental providers in Oklahoma, which has 66 of its 77 counties classified as dental provider shortage areas, the release said.