Dr. Kelly Hilgers is committed to Dental Excellence.

It is important for me, as a pediatric dentist, to continue my education in order to always have the most up-to-date treatment options available for your child. I believe strongly in continuing education, and my team and I make an extra effort to participate in continuing education opportunities.

I have lectured on Pediatric Dentistry, and Growth and Development for many years, and I truly love to stay up-to-date with the current literature. I attend a large number of continuing education courses each year, earning on average 100 continuing education credits annually. Over the past year, I served as an editor for the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry’s (AAPD) most prestigious journal, Pediatric Dentistry. I have taught on every subject in pediatric dentistry and have a knowledge base that allows me to provide excellent care for your child. And, I regularly attend the annual meetings for the AAPD as well as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

I have staff privileges at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) where I am able to provide comprehensive dental treatment to children when necessary under general anesthesia in the operating room. I was the director of Growth and Development for the dental students as well as the orthodontic residents at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and was as assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. I am currently an adjunct professor at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, and I’ve been honored to hold these positions:

• 2005-present Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
• 2003-2005 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry; University of Louisville
• 2003-2005 Graduate Faculty, Graduate School at the University of Louisville
• 2003-2005 Faculty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, University of Louisville

Special Recognition and Awards

It is always an honor to be recognized by other dental professionals and dental organizations. Awards that have won include:

• 2004 Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award - American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• 2004 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; University of Louisville
• 2003 AAPD Annual Session Table Clinic Competition, Awarded 1st Place (1st of 185)
• 2002 AAPD Annual Session Table Clinic Competition, Awarded 3rd Place (3rd of 172)
• 2001 Biotene Award for Excellence in Hospital Dentistry; University of Michigan
• 2000 Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Pi Rho Chapter Membership Invitation; University of Colorado
• 2000 Valedictorian (1st of 34); University of Colorado School of Dentistry Class of 2000
• 2000 Summa cum laude (3.91/4.0 GPA); University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 2000 Harry M. Paul Academic Scholarship, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 2000 Alpha Omega International Fraternity Award, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 2000 American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 2000 Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 1999 Timpte-Brownlie Academic Scholarship, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 1999 Omicron Kappa Upsilon William Kramer Excellence Award, Pi Rho Chapter, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 1997 Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Pi Rho Chapter, Academic Recognition, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 1996-2000 Chancellor’s Enrichment Academic Scholarship, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 1996-2000 Dean’s Honor Roll, University of Colorado School of Dentistry
• 1995 Valedictorian; Michigan State University College of Human Ecology
• 1995 Summa cum laude (3.99/4.0 GPA); Michigan State University

Memberships

I receive many of my continuing education credits through memberships and participation with several different dental and pediatric dental associations. Memberships I hold include:

• 2008-Present Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentists
• 2008-Present Arizona Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• 2005-Present Arizona Dental Association
• 2004-Present American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
• 2004-Present Academy of Laser Dentistry
• 2003-Present American Dental Education Association
• 2003-2005 Kentucky Dental Association
• 2003-2005 Louisville Dental Society
• 2001-Present American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• 2000-Present Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Pi Rho Chapter
• 1996-Present Delta Sigma Delta
• 1996-Present American Dental Association