It is our hypothesis that a new type of pediatric dentist is needed to meet the demands of the future - one who has the knowledge and leadership skills to address the oral health problems not only of the individual child, but of all children in the community. In addition, Iowa s advanced training program has been expanded to offer two additional positions for residents interested in staying in Iowa in private practice after completing their residency. It is hoped that the Pediatric Dentistry workforce in Iowa will be revitalized through this approach. Most children in Iowa and in the US are seen by general dentists, and not by Pediatric Dentists. Yet many general dentists receive relatively little training in dental school in managing infant and toddler patients.
Students have the opportunity to provide an infant exam.
Class discussion focuses on the rationale for the early exam, the reaction of the children to the exam, as well as with the technical aspects of the exam. Senior dental students can rotate through an infant oral health clinic established in September of 1998 at the Johnson County Health Department. The Department of Pediatric Dentistry conducted a statewide continuing education program on infant oral health during 1998. A second course is scheduled for December of 1999. These course are designed to make general dentists, hygienists and other health professionals more knowledgeable and comfortable with seeing and providing treatment for infants and toddlers.