Advanced Education in General Dentistry

Preceptorship

Length of Program: 1-4 Quarters

Applicants must specify the quarter they would like to begin and the length of program they desire. It is encouraged for preceptors to begin during the summer quarter for 1 year (4 quarters).

Number of Positions: 2-4

Program Director:

The AEGD Preceptorship program is a comprehensive training initiative designed for foreign-trained practitioners seeking to advance their clinical expertise and professional opportunities in the United States. This program provides intensive exposure to comprehensive and complex general dentistry cases, including advanced restorative procedures and surgical placement of dental implants, preparing participants to excel in sophisticated private practice environments.

Program Components:

1. Didactic Education

Our robust curriculum spans the academic year with intensive concentrated sessions, covering:

• Comprehensive basic and clinical sciences covering all dental specialties including periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery
• Advanced diagnostic skills, treatment planning, and management of medically compromised patients
• Specialized topics in dental implantology, oral radiology, pharmacology, and medical emergencies
• Evidence-based research methodology, critical analysis, and practice management principles

2. Clinical Shadowing Experience

Participants engage in comprehensive clinical observation at the Westwood and Venice AEGD clinics:

• Observe and assist treating faculty and resident dentists across multiple dental disciplines
• Gain hands-on experience in prosthodontics, periodontal and oral surgery, esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, orthodontics, and endodontics
• Develop proficiency in managing medically compromised patients
• Participate in chairside assisting duties

3. Research Experience & Academic Development

Each participant engages in a structured research component (minimum 3-quarter participation required):

• Develop skills in scientific methodology and evidence-based dental practice
• Participate in comprehensive lectures on dental research planning and statistical analysis
• Complete an independent research project with the goal of producing at least one publishable paper as main author
• Present findings at academic conferences to build professional networks

4. Career Development & Professional Opportunities

Our program includes dedicated mentorship and guidance to help international dentists navigate the U.S. dental profession, including pathways to advanced training, licensing processes, and professional integration opportunities.

This structured program ensures participants gain clinical expertise, research experience, and professional knowledge necessary to successfully advance their careers and integrate into American dental practice.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance and will have gained the clinical competency, research experience, and professional guidance necessary to pursue advanced opportunities in American dentistry. This enhanced preparation positions graduates for success in complex private practice environments and provides a foundation for further specialization.

A certificate of attendance is awarded upon successful completion of the program. This certificate is not the same as the postgraduate program certificate awarded to full-time international postgraduates in specialty training as a qualification for recognition by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Selection Process & Factors

Phone interviews may be conducted though they are usually not required. If you have been selected to interview, you will be notified by the Clinic Administrator.

The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:

• Academic achievement
• Content of personal statement
• Content of confidential reports
• Demonstrated interest in/commitment to general dentistry
• Life experience

Accepted candidates are notified by telephone. Decisions will be available approximately one week after the application is received. A letter of acceptance signed by the Program Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be issued upon acceptance.

Apply Now

Program Fees

Fees: $10,195 per quarter starting July 1, 2024 (subject to change)

Certificate Fee: One-time payment of $200

Refund Policy:

• Payment: 100% for each quarter
• 100% refund: 10 weeks before start of quarter
• 50% refund: 5 weeks before start of quarter
• None: less than 5 weeks before start of quarter

Contact Us

Postgraduate Programs Officer
Phone: (310) 825-7478 
postdds@dentistry.ucla.edu