Restorative Dentistry
Preceptorship Program
Preceptorship
Length of Program: 1 year
Number of Positions: This program admits 2-3 trainees per year
Program Director:
The Restorative 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
The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:
- Language skills
- Content of application
- Motivation
- Activities/professional experience since graduating from dental school (Those who have been treating patients are desired.)
Accepted candidates are notified by email. Decisions will be available approximately one month after the application is submitted. A letter of acceptance signed by the Program Director and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be issued upon acceptance.
Program Fees
Fees: $40,780 per year (subject to change)
Certificate Fee: One-time payment of $200
Dental Kit: Trainees will be responsible for purchasing dental supplies and an equipment kit upon arrival in the program. The approximate cost of this mandatory kit is $9,000, and will need to be purchased through the UCLA Health Sciences Store.
Refund Policy
| Initial payment due | April 5, 50% of annual program fee |
|---|---|
| 100% refund | 10 weeks before July 1 |
| 50% refund | 5 weeks before July 1 |
| None | Less than 5 weeks before July 1 |
| Second payment due | Dec 15, 50% of annual program fee |
|---|---|
| 100% refund | 10 weeks before the start of Winter quarter |
| 50% refund | 5 weeks before Winter quarter |
| None | Less than 5 weeks into Winter quarter |
Contact Us
Susana Hidalgo, Postgraduate Programs Officer
Phone: (310) 825-7478
postdds@dentistry.ucla.edu