Oscar Padilla

As a Pediatric Dentist and educator, I have worked with Special Heath Care Needs populations for 20 years. Starting with my fellowship with United Cerebral Palsy of America in 1997, I have trained both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students in the direct care of pediatric patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as other disabilities, in the academic setting. I have been the Pediatric Dentist assigned to supervise all clinical care for the patients serviced by the HRSA Pediatric Residency Dental Training Grant at NSU College of Dental Medicine since 2011. I have worked with interdisciplinary teams involving General Dentistry, ABA therapist, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pediatrics, and other disciplines since my involvement with special projects at Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine staring in 1997. I have held faculty positions at Columbia University and Nova Southeastern University, as well as the Postgraduate Director at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, in New York and at Nova Southeastern University. I feel uniquely trained and in a position to pass my clinical and social experiences on to pre-doctoral students in order to prepare them for the clinical and psychosocial interactions they will need to become competent and compassionate dentists.

Educational and professional background:

• D.D.S., Doctor of Dental Surgery from Columbia University
• Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Columbia University

 Research and interests:

Post doctoral research projects in various topics including special healthcare needs and ASD (autism spectrum disorders). Also, involvement in interprofessional research projects

Professional memberships:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry
• Florida Dental Association
• American Dental Education Association
• American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Teaching activities:

Dr. Padilla teaches full-time clinical pediatric dentistry at KID clinic, MSC clinic and Joe DiMaggio clinic. He works with pre- and post- doctoral students

Favorite hobby:

Dr. Padilla enjoys cars and loves animals… travelling, movies and eating out.