How to Stand Out as a Pre-Dental Student and Pediatric Residency Applicant with Dr. Goodman
- thepredentalguide
- Jul 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Welcome back to our new blog series featuring specialists in dentistry. With many readers exploring dentistry as a pre-dental student in college or seeking specialty training, the objective of this blog series is to introduce post-graduate career paths and celebrate amazing work in our dynamic field. We are continuing the series discussing all things pediatric dentistry, one of the most increasingly competitive and rewarding dental specialties.
When it comes to combining compassion, expertise, and a deep sense of purpose, few embody the spirit of pediatric dentistry like Dr. Drea Goodman. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Goodman through Kids2Dentist and she has been instrumental to my journey in practicing pediatric dentistry. It was only fitting I interviewed her to share her sincere pearls of wisdom with you all. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and now in California, Dr. Goodman brings not only years of clinical experience but also a deeply personal motivation to her work. As a mother of two children, one of whom has special needs, her journey into pediatric dentistry was fueled by a desire to serve families like her own.
Dr. Goodman earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and DDS at Meharry Medical College in 2022. Her passion and perseverance led her to complete a pediatric residency at UCLA in 2024, where she was coined as the program's behavior management queen for both children and parents. She currently dedicates her craft to providing essential dental services to underserved communities in Central California through Kids2Dentist.
Tell us a little bit about what led you to pursue dentistry.
“My interest in dentistry began at home with my mom, a dental technician which led me to spend much of childhood playing with typodonts. After high school, I became a registered dental assistant and planned on pursuing dental hygiene. A mentor encouraged me to aim higher and that advice set me on a path to becoming a pediatric dentist.
My journey follows a path of a nontraditional student as a career changer and busy mom of two which brought me invaluable skills. Being a mom taught me patience. Working as a substitute teacher and managing a chiropractor’s office helped me understand customer service and communication. Even working as a quality analyst at Apple sharpened my empathy and critical thinking.
My advice for aspiring dentists navigating their own unique paths is to stay the course. It’s not about how fast you go—it’s about appreciating the journey. Give yourself grace and take in all the skills your path presents you.”
When did you know you wanted to pursue pediatric dentistry?
“As I went through dental school, I felt drawn to children and patients with special needs. Seeing how my daughter’s teachers and providers supported her inspired me to offer that same support through dentistry. My love for restorative and operative dentistry merged naturally with her mission: to serve children—especially those with unique health challenges—with patience, skill, and joy.”
How was your pediatric residency experience at UCLA?
“Rigorous, challenging, and deeply rewarding. It was a two-year program that gave us the clinical foundation, academic depth, and research exposure needed to be confident and competent pediatric dentists,” she says. “It was an incredible experience, made even better by my tight-knit group of co-residents.”
What advice do you have for students researching pediatric residency programs?
When choosing a program, I recommend considering the balance between clinical exposure and academic training. Hospital-based programs offer immediate, hands-on treatment experience, while university programs emphasize the ‘why’ behind the work. I found UCLA’s hospital-university hybrid model ideal.
What advice do you have for aspiring pediatric dentists?
“For those interested in pediatric dentistry but feeling hesitant, I recommend shadowing a pediatric dentist or volunteering in children’s clinics. Start with older kids, Frankl 4 or adolescent patients. Most general dentists treat children, but pediatric dentistry is about understanding child development, behavior management, and family dynamics. To be a competitive residency applicant, make sure you have a well-rounded application. Show that you enjoy being around children through volunteer work or jobs involving kids. Leadership, research, and good letters of recommendation are key. Most importantly, make sure this specialty truly brings you joy.
Pursuing associateship or shadowing opportunities at pediatric dental offices like Kids2Dentist would be a great place to start. Immerse yourself in an environment that prioritizes pediatric care and provider career development.”
What are important qualities to consider when treating special needs children?
“For me, treating special care patients is more than just a professional responsibility—it’s a personal calling. It’s the greatest honor. Many parents tell me it’s the first time their child sat through an appointment or received a cleaning without distress. I work hard to read each patient, offer them choices, give breaks, and always put parents at ease. I use behavior management techniques like Tell-Show-Do (TSD), and always take time to connect with both patient and caregiver.’
Describe a typical day working as a pediatric dentist at Kids2Dentist.
“My days include exams, hygiene visits, and restorative procedures—the bread and butter of pediatric dentistry. Managing a high-volume practice takes intention. I focus on efficiency, patient safety, and strong communication with my front desk team. Knowing your limits, and keeping care patient-centered, is how I avoid burnout.”
What’s your favorite part of pediatric dentistry?
“Each day brings opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We assess medications, allergies, health conditions—anything that affects oral health. It’s about customizing care for every child, whether they have craniofacial abnormalities or manual dexterity challenges. Residency trained me well with classes in pharmacology, rotating through craniofacial clinics, and general anesthesia. I love the diversity of our profession to care for our children.”
In alignment with the Kids2Dentist mission statement, I understand dedicating your service to underserved families is important to your professional identity. How has your experience been so far?
“I find deep fulfillment working in California’s Central Valley, an area with high needs and limited access to care. Parents are so grateful when we take the time to explain care, show compassion, and meet their children’s needs. It’s incredibly rewarding. You feel the impact of your work every single day.”
What are your career goals in the next 5-10 years?
“In the next five to ten years, I hope to pursue practice ownership or partnership, further develop my skills with more general anesthesia cases, and continue mentoring others—whether dental assistants or general dentists exploring pediatrics. At Kids2Dentist, I found a perfect fit. Their values align with my own: child-focused care, professional autonomy, and a team that’s eager to learn and grow. It’s the kind of place where you can make a real difference.”
Contact for Opportunities
If Dr. Goodman’s story to pediatric dentistry inspired you today and you have any questions, she has kindly offered herself as a resource to you via email. You can reach out at dr.goodman@kids2dentist.com.
For more information regarding professional opportunities at Kids 2 Dentist, please contact Michelle Ammons, HR Director, at hr@kids2dentist.com. To take the next step, please include your resume or CV. Phone conversations are available upon request following initial email contact.
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