Hawaii - Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center / Hawaii Island Community Health Center - PEDS

Why Choose Our Program and the Hawaii Site?

Experience a transformative, mission-driven training program in one of the most unique and impactful pediatric dental residencies in the country. The Hawaii site blends the academic rigor of NYU Langone with a deep commitment to health equity, cultural competence, and community-centered care across the Hawaiian Islands.

Our program is dedicated to serving the diverse keiki (children) of Hawaii while developing clinicians who are leaders in pediatric oral health.

Program Highlights & Distinctive Features

Exceptional Clinical Volume & Multi-Island Exposure

• Rotations across multiple islands, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare systems
• High-volume community-based clinical training with complex pediatric cases
• Direct impact on underserved communities across Hawaii
• Immersion in a unique multi-island healthcare ecosystem

Unique Training Locations

Oahu – Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC)

• Only safety net practice on the Leeward Coast
• 10+ operatories supporting high patient volume
• 11,900+ annual visits
• Approximately 80% of patients uninsured or Medicaid-dependent

The Big Island – Hawaii Island Community Health Center

• Service coverage across an 80-mile coastline
• Geographic and population diversity exceeding that of Oahu
• Broad exposure to rural and community-based pediatric care delivery

Specialized Hospital Rotations

• Pediatric medicine rotations (inpatient and outpatient)
• Craniofacial care through interdisciplinary teams
• Advanced anesthesia and operating room cases
• Training at Shriners Children’s Hospital and Kaiser Permanente systems
• Exposure to medically complex pediatric patients

Advanced Technology & Clinical Innovation

• Digital sensors and advanced imaging systems
• Plumbed nitrous oxide delivery systems
• Soft and hard tissue laser technology
• Modern patient-centered clinical workflow

Innovative Community-Based Care

School-based intervention programs delivering:

• Preventive care
• Screenings
• Oral health education
• Community engagement and outreach
• Early intervention and prevention strategies

Your Training Experience

Comprehensive Skill Development

Residents develop expertise in:

• Pediatric sedation and general anesthesia
• Interceptive orthodontics
• Oral surgery procedures
• Pediatric medicine integration
• Emergency medicine exposure
• Craniofacial and special patient care
• Community outreach and advocacy

Mentorship & Professional Development

• Close collaboration with distinguished attending faculty
• Intensive mentorship focused on clinical and surgical excellence
• Development of evidence-based treatment protocols
• Training tailored to diverse pediatric populations

Life in Hawaii: A Unique Professional and Personal Experience

Unparalleled Living Environment

• World-renowned natural beauty across multiple islands
• Access to beaches, mountains, and outdoor recreation year-round
• Rich cultural diversity and traditions enhancing personal and clinical growth

Balanced Lifestyle

• Opportunity to combine professional excellence with quality of life
• Strong sense of community and connection to patients and peers
• Environment promoting wellness and personal fulfillment

Mission & Impact

Our Hawaii training site is grounded in a commitment to:

• Health equity and access to care
• Community-centered clinical practice
• Culturally competent pediatric dentistry
• Leadership development in public health and advocacy

Residents graduate prepared to:

• Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse settings
• Lead initiatives addressing oral health disparities
• Integrate clinical excellence with community impact
• Serve as advocates for pediatric oral health at local and national levels

Program Commitment

This is a full-time, immersive 2-year training program designed for individuals committed to:

• Clinical excellence
• Lifelong learning
• Community service
• Leadership in pediatric dentistry

Ready to Transform Your Career?

Join a program that goes beyond clinical training — one that prepares you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives and communities.

Train in Hawaii. Lead with purpose. Practice with excellence.

Your journey to becoming a leader in pediatric dentistry starts here.