Program Description

The Advanced Dental Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes clinical experience balanced with a didactic curriculum of multidisciplinary courses and seminars. There is also a research component to the program designed to expose residents to problem solving using the scientific method.  An optional master of science (MS) degree or master of science in dentistry (MSD) degree track is available to students currently enrolled in the certificate program. 

The goals of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry are:

Goal 1: To prepare the resident to be a specialist who is proficient in providing comprehensive, preventive, and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. 
Goal 2: To provide an educational structure that complies with the standards set forth by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 
Goal 3: To prepare residents for the practice of pediatric dentistry. 
Goal 4: To train pediatric dentists who have participated in pediatric dental research. 
Goal 5: To train pediatric dentists who have participated in teaching pediatric dentistry. 
Goal 6: To prepare the resident for certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. 

Gainful Employment Disclosure

As part of new federal regulations, LLU is providing required information regarding the following gainful employment (GE) program.  The following link will provide information regarding the cost of the certificate, financing available, median debt, normal timeframe for completion, and job placement rates for students that have completed this program. To view this information, Click Here.

Program Website

Program Length

Twenty-four months

Possible Careers

Pediatric dentist working in private practice, dental education, or a hospital setting.

Application Deadlines

There are currently no published application deadlines.

Admissions Requirements

1.  The applicant must have a DDS or equivalent prior to entering the program.
2.  Official transcripts mailed directly from each post-secondary institution from which you have received credit, including colleges and dental school.
3.  A minimum cumulative dental school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
4.  Successful completion of the National Board Dental Examination Part I and Part II (when available) is required of all applicants who have or are currently completing dental school in the United States. Official score report must be mailed from the ADA to Loma Linda University.
5.  Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have known and worked closely with you.
6.  Applicants must complete an additional application through the Postdoctoral Application Support System (PASS) and be registered with the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (Match).
7.  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all applicants who have completed dental school in a country other than the United States or Canada.
8.  Applicants who have completed dental school outside the United States or Canada must have a current dental license from their country and submit a notarized copy with their application.

Applicants who have transcripts from non-US dental schools must submit a translated course-by-course transcript report from one of the following agencies (See International Transcript Information):

  1. World Education Services (WES) *
  2. American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
  3. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE)
  4. American Education Research Corporation (AERC)

Official Degree Certificate (for all international applicants) - Any foreign transcript (or mark sheet) that does not list on it the graduation information, including the actual degree earned, must be supported by an official degree certificate or school-verified copy of the degree certificate mailed directly from the issuing institution to Admissions Processing, Loma Linda University.

Dental License (for all international applicants) - All applicants who have received their dental school training outside of the United States or Canada must have a current dental license from their country and submit a notarized copy with their application.

In addition, an English Proficiency test score is required for all International applicants as well:

English Proficiency Exam - Regardless of nationality or citizenship, an applicant whose native language is not English or whose secondary education has been given outside the U.S. is required to pass one of the following English proficiency tests:

  1. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.  The institution code for Loma Linda University is 4062. TOEFL minimum scores are: 80- Internet-based test, 550 - Paper-based test, including a minimum final score of 5.0 on the TWE part (Test of Written English)
  2. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. LLU minimum score is 6.5
  3. MELAB LLU minimum score is 77

Prerequisites

There are no specific courses required for this degree.  Please reference the Admissions Requirements.
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
12 		Year 2
12
Tuition & Fees $82,260 $82,260
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$4,400 $2,200

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
12 		Year 2
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $14,400 $14,400
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $23,040 $23,040
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $24,240 $24,240
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $8,640 $8,640
  • Off Campus
    		•  $23,040 $23,040
    Transportation Allowance $4,200 $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,600 $3,600
    Federal Student Loan Fees $4,508 $4,408
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request

    Notes

    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.
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