Observer Program

The School of Dentistry's Observer Program is currently being revamped,
– No applications are being accepted at this time.

Picture yourself at UCLA

The UCLA School of Dentistry’s observational externship is a non-credited program designed to allow externs to develop an in-depth appreciation and understanding of an advanced postgraduate residency's curriculum. While this program does not involve the direct hands-on treatment of patients, this one-week externship provides dental students with invaluable experience shadowing residents and faculty. The extern will participate in academic courses, lectures, and intense observation of many different clinical procedures within the clinic.

This program is open to domestic and international dental students who are interested in applying to one of our residency programs. Please note, international dental students will only be eligible to apply to certain programs. ** The UCLA School of Dentistry is unable to obtain or sponsor Visas for international applicants. The applicant will be responsible for obtaining their own Visa**

There are eight (7) specialty clinics you may observe from, but no more than two clinics within your desired dates.

  • Advanced Education in General Dentistry - Westwood location only 
  • Advanced Prosthodontics (2-day maximum) - Must provide a CV and short personal statement
  • Endodontics
  • General Practice Residency
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatrics - Westwood location only (No observers during July & August)
  • Periodontics

To apply, please submit:

  • completed externship application 
  • A letter from your dean or associate dean supporting your application to extern and are in good standing 

           - the letter must be on school letterhead and must include the school's seal

  • A copy of your immunization record, including COVID-19 initial vaccine and booster  - Only COVID-19 virtual cards will be accepted or printout from your school's student immunization portal   
Hepatitis B Positive Hepatitis B surface antibody titer (HBsAb)
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Positive MMR titer OR proof of receipt of 2 doses of MMR vaccine
Varicella (chickenpox) Positive Varicella titer OR proof of receipt of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Tdap: 1 dose after age 7 & Tdap booster within 10 yrs
Tuberculosis testing Negative TB blood test (T-Spot or QuantiFERON®-TB test) within 3 months of the program start date. If the result is positive, proof of negative Chest X-Ray is required
Meningococcal conjugate-- (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W 135) Only for students age 21 or younger: 1 dose on or after age 16
Annual Influenza vaccine  
COVID-19 vaccine Up to date on COVID-19 vaccination: received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

 

Send your application to:
Observer Program Coordinator
UCLA School of Dentistry
10833 LeConte Avenue, Room A0-111
Los Angeles, California 90095
 

Living Accommodations

You are responsible for finding your own living accommodations. UCLA cannot accommodate non-students within campus housing. If you choose to visit our campus we would forward a listing of hotels/inns/temporary housing in and around the area, not far from the UCLA campus with bus lines directly to and from UCLA.