Pediatric Dentistry Residency

Download: Program Information Sheet

Program Snapshot

About: UNMC has offered a fully accredited advanced education program in pediatric dentistry since 1947. The program leads to a Certificate of Specialization in Pediatric Dentistry, which satisfies the requirements mandated by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry for Examination and Board Certification.
Length of Program: 24 months
Application Deadline: October 1
Start Date: July 1
Positions Available: 5
Location: Children's Nebraska, Omaha
Department: Growth & Development

Why study pediatric dentistry?

The UNMC Pediatric Dentistry Residency program is for individuals seeking specialization in diagnosing and treating dental problems in infants, children and teenagers. Pediatric dentists focus on the unique dental issues that can arise in the gums, teeth and jaw as the body develops and grows. They play a crucial role in children’s overall health and wellness by helping them establish positive oral health behaviors and attitudes.

Why study pediatric dentistry at UNMC? 

Our intricately designed residency program equips residents with the knowledge and confidence to become leading pediatric dentists. The program, located at Children's Nebraska, provides residents with hospital-based clinical experiences focused on treating children and adolescents with extensive dental restorative needs; physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities; cleft and craniofacial conditions; and complex medical conditions.

Our residents start treating patients their first month and gain comprehensive experience in the operating room and collaborate with an interprofessional team to promote the overall health of their patients. They also receive extensive hands-on experience through multiple rotations: 

• Children’s Nebraska Outpatient Surgery Center - Receive in-depth OR experience; 
• UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute Dental Clinic - Provide comprehensive oral health services for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities;
• UNMC College of Dentisty - Provide patient care and clinical instruction for third- and fourth-year dental students;
• UNMC Omaha Campus/Nebraska Medicine - Complete rotations in Anesthesia, Pediatric Medicine, Interdisciplinary and Oral Surgery; and
• Boystown National Research Hospital Craniofacial Clinic - Provide life-changing care for infants and children with oral-facial clefts and other diseases, disorders or injuries.

Program Highlights

• Intricately designed, hands-on residency experience
• One-on-one learning experiences with nationally-renowned faculty
• Supportive resident team
• Diverse patient base

Learn more.

Our Team

Zachary L. Houser, DMD, Program Director
Alexandra Bilunas, DDS, Assistant Professor
Claire Koukol, DDS, Assistant Professor
Sumit Yadav, BDS, MDS, MBA, PhD, Chair of the Department of Growth & Development

See current and past residents.

Adjunct Faculty: Drs. Hannah Greene, Ryan Hajek, Peter Harbert, Jeffrey Howenstein, Brent Johnson, Gary Lehn, Edward Lockwood, Jessica Meeske, Holly Portwood, Greg Weeder

Detailed Program Information	Admissions Information

Visiting Us - Three Day Oberserverships

We offer three-day observerships for those interested in pursuing specialty training in pediatric dentistry. Eligible applicants include United States and Canadian dental students and licensed dentists who are graduates of CODA-accredited dental schools. Observers shadow pediatric dental residents and faculty in the areas of pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, pediatric oral surgery and sedation.