Meharry’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry’s rigorous course training emphasizes a strong scientific and behavioral science foundation; patient assessment skills; disease control and rehabilitation effectiveness; and an appreciation for health promotion.

The educational goals of the Department are to enable the dental student, at the undergraduate level, to develop a strong competency in pediatric dentistry and to increase theoretical and clinical judgment, technical skills, and case-organizational abilities.

The integrated, evidence-based course of study is designed to establish a high standard of oral care based on an appreciation of the intricacies and demands of comprehensive health. We stress a strong scientific and behavioral science foundation, strong patient assessment skills, disease control and rehabilitation effectiveness, plus a strong appreciation for health promotion.

Expectations of students to assure demonstrated competencies are emphasized in:

• Preventive services and treatment of conditions to include plaque control, patient education, and emergency treatment of pain and infection.
• Restoration of the primary and permanent teeth to proper form and function, with careful consideration for the health of the pulp and the supporting structures.
• Maintenance and/or restoration of space in the dental arch to achieve or retain adequate aesthetics and function.
• Recognition of malocclusion, with priority provided for interceptive services as well as recognition of disfiguring and/or handicapping malocclusions.

Third- and fourth-year students have the opportunity to apply their course training at the Colgate Bright Smiles/Bright Futures Clinic, Meharry’s pediatric dentistry and orthodontic patient care clinic, where they receive hands-on experience providing:

• Preventive services and treatment of conditions to include plaque control, patient education, and emergency treatment of pain and infection.
• Restoration of the primary and permanent teeth to proper form and function
• Maintenance and/or restoration of space in the dental arch to achieve or retain adequate esthetics and function
• Recognition of malocclusion

Department Events

• Children’s Dental Health Month: February
• Meharry’s Children Dental Health Day