LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry has received a go-ahead to start a residency program offering specialized training in the dental care of children and special-needs patients.

The two-year program, which will be the only one of its kind in western Kentucky, will allow the university to do a better job caring for the oral health of children in the state, said Wood Currens, interim dean of U of L’s dental school.

“Roughly one-third of Kentucky’s children have untreated tooth decay,” Currens said. “This residency program will enable us to train more dentists to address this serious issue and other dental problems unique to children.”

Residents in the program will treat patients at dental clinics at U of L and at Kosair Children’s Hospital and also will spend time at two convalescent care centers for developmentally delayed and special-needs patients.

Three students a year from dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association will be admitted each year. Applications are now being taken for the class beginning in July, Currens said.

U of L’s School of Dentistry offers a doctorate in dental medicine, a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene, a master of science degree in oral biology and a joint residency Ph.D. program. Its students also can pursue accredited residencies in orthodontics, endodontics, general practice, periodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery.