The program provides an opportunity for dentists to pursue higher education and research in the field of pediatric dentistry with a focus on prevention and public health in underserved and disadvantaged communities (Indigenous, rural and urban poor). The research based degree’s strengths lie in the wide range of diversity in instructor philosophies of treatment and the opportunity to learn several techniques such as: 1. Management of the pediatric dental patient 2. Pharmacological management techniques 3. Treatment of medically compromised patients and patients with special health care needs