Dr. Molina is a native of the small eastern NC town of Aurora. She’s one of those individuals who list her childhood pediatric dentist as one of the most influential people in her life. After graduating with her BS in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and prior to starting dental school, she worked with Dr. Elliott for 14 months as an intern. Dr. Elliott has been mentoring Dr. Molina since 2001, as we all knew she would be the right fit for our office TEAM!
Dr. Molina graduated in the top of her class with honors from the UNC School of Dentistry in 2005. She then completed three additional years of training in pediatric dentistry at the UNC School of Dentistry and UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill and obtained her Master’s Degree and certificate in pediatric dentistry in June of 2008.
Dr. Elliott and Dr. Molina partnered to form Cary Pediatric Dentistry in May 2008. Dr. Molina also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UNC School of Dentistry. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate with The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Residency – University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Chapel Hill, NC
June 2005-June 2008
Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry awarded June 2008
Graduate – University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Chapel Hill, NC
June 2005-June 2008
Masters of Science Degree in Dentistry awarded June 2008
Dental – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Dentistry
Chapel Hill, NC
August 2001-May 2005
D.D.S. Degree awarded May 2005
Undergraduate – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
August 1995 – May 2000
Bachelor of Science in Biology awarded May 2000
HONORS AND AWARDS
• 2008 Finalist, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Student Research Award
• 2008 Elise and Baxter Sapp Fellowship
• 2008 Research in Review Day Oral Presentation Award
• 2007 Spurgeon Graduate Student Table Clinic Award
• 2006-2007 Recipient of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s OMNII Research Award
• 2005 Graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dental School
• 2005 President of Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity, Upsilon Chapter
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• College of Diplomates of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Society of Dentistry for Children
• American Association of Dental Schools
• American Dental Association
• Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity Member, Upsilon Chapter
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Adjunct assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dental School
• Dental Attending at Alamance County Health Department and Durham County Health Department
• Undergraduate Clinic Dental Attending
• Treatment of children in the operating room under general anesthesia
• Treatment of children utilizing conscious sedation medication
• Preventive Orthodontic Clinic
• UNC Cleft Lip/Palate Team Member
• General Anesthesia Rotation during residency
• Pediatric Medicine Rotation during residency
• Chief Resident of Administration during residency
• Chief Resident of Hospital Activities during residency
PRESENTATIONS
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry May 2008 Meeting – Washington, DC
Research in Review Day 2008 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Spurgeon Graduate Student Table Clinic 2007 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
International Association of Dental Research 2007 Meeting – New Orleans, LA
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS
“Root Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Diagnostic Considerations and Recommendations”
Molina, J. R., Vann Jr, W. F., McIntyre, J. D., Trope, M. and Lee, J. Y. (2008), Root fractures in children and adolescents: diagnostic considerations. Dental Traumatology, 24: 503–509. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.2008.00652.x
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
• Board Certified and a Diplomate with The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• Fellow with The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• State Licensure North Carolina State Dental Board – License number 8024
• Permit for moderate pediatric sedation
• OR privileges at Wake Medical Hospital Raleigh, NC
• 2005-present PALS Certified – Successful completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course
• 2001-present BLS Certified – Successful completion of Basic Life Support Course
Our mission is to provide specialized and comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents in a friendly, safe, and state-of-the-art environment with a focus on prevention and education for the families. Dr. Elliott, Dr. Molina, and our TEAM are here to positively change this generation’s view of going to the dentist, one child at a time.
