For my senior Honors capstone project, I have chosen to research a topic that will give me knowledge to take far beyond the classroom and into the workforce. As a part of enhancing my May project, I have chosen to research my intended career path: pediatric dentistry. I chose this career, specifically, as the importance of adequate dental care becomes of increasing importance and as the field of pediatric dentistry continues to develop rapidly.

In my research, I have looked into how dentistry has evolved over time. In the early 1700s, Robert Bunon made a name for himself as the “Father of Pediatric Dentistry.” In a time of minimal knowledge of dental care, Bunon emphasized the importance of prevention and parental instruction, a practice that is still enforced today. By treating problems before they actually start, children’s dental health is improved, proving how important dental hygiene actually is. In fact, currently, certain aspects of dental hygiene are evolving faster than ever and the future of pediatric dentistry is improving. The  widespread use of fluoride; increasing number of minimally invasive and nonoperative procedures; high success in new, restorative materials including moisture-tolerant resin-based materials; as well as a surge in virtual reality techniques  have all contributed to the future of pediatric dentistry. These new advancements help to aid dentists with treatments, as well as making patients more comfortable.

Furthermore, I have researched what specifically it is that a pediatric dentist does. I have learned that pediatric dentists are  trained to understand the biological development of teeth, enhancing a pediatric dentist’s job to specialize in the treatment of young patients. In order to understand this, pediatric dentists acquire focused techniques during their training in order to treat kids. Pediatric dentists are certified in anesthesiology, bacteria growth studies, and oral surgery in order to provide patients the best care possible. 

In order to become a pediatric dentist, one must go through a large amount of training and schooling. This usually takes ten years to complete, but can take longer. First, a bachelor's degree is attained. This typically takes four years. This degree can be in anything, but should have areas of focus in sciences. Core studies in child development, psychology, and business studies would also be helpful. Next, one would go to dental school. This takes four years. During years 1-2, dental students learn about oral health, while years 3-4 dental students learn how to treat and diagnose patients through clinical exercises. At the end, dental students take examinations to become a DDS or a DMD. After examinations are passed, one must become licensed in the state where they will work. Now, the dentist will go to a pediatric dentist residency program where they finally specialize in children's dental health. These programs, sometimes varying in length, most commonly take two years. Finally, following residency, pediatric dentists become board certified. 

As I continue my research, I plan to research the difference between working in a rural area versus an urban setting as well the difference between a private practice and a public clinic. I will research the correlation between art and dentistry, child dental neglect laws, dental care in different parts of the world, accessible dental care, and children’s oral health. During the second semester, I plan to shadow a pediatric dentist in my community. With this experience, I hope to gain insight on the schedule and work environment of a pediatric dentist and to understand how a pediatric dentist faces challenges within the work day as well as the challenges patients face and how a pediatric dentist helps patients to overcome those challenges. Through this experience, I am seeking to find out if I will pursue a career in pediatric dentistry or if I will migrate somewhere else in the medical field. Either way, this experience will show me a glimpse into life working in the medical field and will teach me valuable lessons that I can take with me in whatever I decide to do in the future.