ABPD Pediatric Dentistry study materials
ABPD Pediatric Dentistry study resources

ABPD Pediatric Dentistry study plan

ABPD Pediatric Dentistry · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Clinical Pediatric Dentistry

  • Outline the clinical pediatric dentistry domain into subtopics (e.g., growth and development, caries management, restorative, pulp therapy, trauma, prevention).

  • Identify and list high-yield topics within each subtopic based on prevalence and exam emphasis.

  • Create a study schedule that allocates at least 4 hours per week to Domain 1 for the first four weeks.

  • Complete a baseline self-assessment (e.g., 20 practice questions) to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Your checkpoint

A written study plan with subtopic breakdown and baseline score report.

Week 2

Clinical Pediatric Dentistry

  • Explain the stages of tooth development and eruption timelines, including common anomalies.

  • Describe caries risk assessment and prevention strategies (fluoride, sealants, dietary counseling).

  • Compare restorative materials and techniques for primary and young permanent teeth.

  • Summarize pulp therapy options (indirect pulp cap, pulpotomy, pulpectomy) and their indications.

Your checkpoint

A one-page summary sheet or flashcards covering development, caries prevention, restorative, and pulp therapy.

Week 3

Clinical Pediatric Dentistry

  • Outline the management of dental trauma in primary and permanent teeth, including classification and immediate steps.

  • Describe common oral pathology and soft tissue lesions in children.

  • Explain behavior guidance techniques as they relate to clinical procedures (e.g., Tell-Show-Do, positive reinforcement).

  • Review pharmacological considerations in pediatric dentistry (local anesthesia, sedation, antibiotics).

Your checkpoint

A trauma management flowchart and a table of pharmacological agents with dosages.

Week 4

Clinical Pediatric Dentistry & Behavior Management

  • Complete 50 practice questions focused on Domain 1, review incorrect answers, and note key concepts.

  • Identify at least three weak areas in Domain 1 and create a remediation plan.

  • Begin Domain 2 by listing core behavior management theories and techniques.

  • Describe the impact of child development stages on behavior management.

Your checkpoint

A practice test score report with a list of weak areas and a remediation plan.

Week 5

Behavior Management

  • Explain the principles of behavior management, including communication and rapport building.

  • Describe non-pharmacological techniques (e.g., Tell-Show-Do, distraction, positive reinforcement, voice control).

  • Outline pharmacological behavior management options (nitrous oxide, sedation, general anesthesia) and their indications.

  • Discuss the management of children with special health care needs and dental anxiety.

Your checkpoint

A comprehensive table comparing behavior management techniques with indications and contraindications.

Week 6

Behavior Management

  • Analyze case scenarios involving uncooperative children and select appropriate behavior guidance strategies.

  • Describe the informed consent process and legal/ethical considerations in pediatric behavior management.

  • Explain the management of dental emergencies with behavior considerations (e.g., trauma, pain).

  • Review cultural competence and communication with parents/caregivers.

Your checkpoint

Written responses to five case-based scenarios with rationale for chosen behavior management approaches.

Week 7

Clinical Pediatric Dentistry & Behavior Management

  • Complete 100 mixed practice questions covering both domains, timed, to simulate exam conditions.

  • Review all incorrect answers and create a list of high-yield facts for final review.

  • Revisit weak areas identified in week 4 and assess improvement.

  • Summarize key guidelines (e.g., AAPD, ADA) relevant to both domains.

Your checkpoint

A timed practice test score report with a refined high-yield fact sheet.

Week 8

Clinical Pediatric Dentistry & Behavior Management

  • Review high-yield facts and weak areas from previous weeks.

  • Complete a final 150-question cumulative practice exam under timed conditions.

  • Analyze final exam performance and address any remaining gaps.

  • Develop a test-day strategy including time management and stress reduction.

Your checkpoint

Final practice exam score report and a personal test-day checklist.

Milestones

Week 4: Achieve at least 70% on a 50-question Domain 1 practice test and have a remediation plan for weak areas.

Week 6: Achieve at least 70% on a 50-question Domain 2 practice test and demonstrate understanding of behavior management techniques through case scenarios.

Week 8: Score at least 75% on the final cumulative practice exam and report confidence in both domains.