Dental Summer Programs for Undergraduates: Exploring Opportunities in Oral Health
For undergraduate students considering a career in dentistry, summer programs offer invaluable opportunities to gain exposure to the field, enhance their skills, and strengthen their dental school applications. These programs range from research-focused internships to shadowing experiences and academic enrichment courses. This article explores a variety of dental summer programs designed for undergraduates, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and application details.
Research-Focused Programs
NIDCR Summer Dental Student Award
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) offers the Summer Dental Student Award, providing talented dental students with hands-on research experience in intramural research labs.
Program Highlights:
- Exposure to cutting-edge research in oral health.
- Assignment to mentors conducting research in students' areas of interest.
- Potential for presentation of research findings at scientific meetings or co-authorship of scientific publications.
- Research areas include:
- Adherence and virulence factors of oral bacteria
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bacterial communication
- Biomimetics
- Bone/mineralized tissue formation, pathology, and gene expression
- Calcium signaling
- Cartilage structure and development
- Cell adhesion molecules
- Cell signaling and receptors
- Composition and function of extracellular matrix
- Cytokines and inflammation
- Gene therapy
- Genetic regulation of nerve and blood vessel regeneration
- Noncollagenous proteins of bone and teeth
- Pain mechanisms and management
- Population genetics and gene mapping
- Protease biochemistry
- Protein glycosylation in development
- Regulation, cell growth and oral carcinogenesis
- Salivary gland development, function and dysfunction
- Salivary proteomics
- Stem Cells
- Taste
- Competitive stipend provided.
- Minimum eight-week commitment required.
- Nominating dental school must support air or ground transportation for their students.
- Student housing resource guides provided.
Application Details:
- Online applications accepted from mid-November to January 15th.
- Supplemental application information due by February 8th.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizenship or permanent residence required.
- Nominating dental school must provide support for round trip transportation for the student.
- Applicant must work for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks.
Application Requirements:
- Complete online application.
- Resume/curriculum vitae.
- Description of applicant's research experience.
- Personal statement discussing areas of research interest and reasons for applying.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors/mentors/deans.
- Nominating letter from the dean of the dental school.
- Official college, graduate, and dental school transcripts.
- Current "Letter of Good Standing" from dental school admissions office.
Oregon Health & Science University Research Internship Program
The OHSU Research Internship Program helps students explore careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Interns are mentored by a researcher and participate in activities designed to help them pursue a career in science.
Program Highlights:
- Conduct research specific to your educational level for 8 weeks in one of OHSU’s labs.
- Labs include Dental Public Health, Clinical Orthodontics, Biomaterials, Oral Microbiome, and Tissue Engineering.
- Learn to analyze data, use lab equipment, and conduct testing procedures.
- Present research findings at the end of the program.
Program Details:
- Location: Multiple locations in Oregon
- Cost: Free, with a stipend of $15 per hour
- Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate students, or recent graduates
- Duration: 8 weeks
Research Education in Oral Health Sciences (REOHS) Program
The REOHS program aims to increase representation in the field of oral health sciences. It provides classroom instruction on research principles and clinical dentistry.
Program Highlights:
- Match with a faculty research mentor.
- Learn from their experience and complete a research assignment.
- Dental students act as peer mentors.
- Individualized learning and career development opportunities.
- Present research findings in a poster format at the end of the program.
Program Details:
- Location: New York
- Cost: Free, with a $5,000 stipend
- Application Deadline: February 3
- Program Dates: June 2 - July 3
- Eligibility: Current undergraduate students or high school seniors entering their freshman year of college
Clinical and Shadowing Programs
International Medical Aid
This internship program provides practical skills and contributes to community health in an international healthcare setting. It is open to pre-dentistry undergraduates and offers clinical experience in general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry.
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Program Highlights:
- Physician shadowing and clinical rotations.
- Observe dental procedures, assist in patient care, and participate in community dental health programs.
- Mentorship from experienced dentists and healthcare professionals.
- Theoretical module included.
- Participation in sustainable community programs.
- Receive a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation from IMA.
Program Details:
- Location: Various countries
- Cost: Varies by country, ranging from $3,050 to $7,550 (financial aid available)
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 35 - 70
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- Program Dates: Flexible, ranging from 2 - 8 weeks
- Eligibility: Pre-dentistry students, current dental students, and recent dental graduates
Midtown Dental Group’s Dental Internship and Shadowing Program
MDG's Dental Internship and Shadowing Program allows undergraduates to gain experience working with a skilled team and utilizing advanced equipment.
Program Highlights:
- Observe dental procedures.
- Assist with patient care.
- Participate in clinical operations and administrative tasks.
- Training in essential protocols, equipment usage, and patient care systems.
- Training modules cover OSHA Compliance, Infection Control, HIPAA Protocols, Bloodborne Pathogen Management, and Advanced Technology.
- Opportunity to work on a research initiative or prepare a case review presentation.
Program Details:
- Location: Multiple locations in New York and New Jersey
- Cost: Free
- Application Deadline: Exact date not available; fall internships are available
- Program Dates: 4 - 12 weeks
- Eligibility: High school and college students
Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine Pre-Dental Summer Program
This five-day program at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine offers hands-on experience in a preclinical laboratory, allowing students to discover what dental school is truly like.
Course Highlights:
- Making Typodont impressions and pouring them into stone.
- Using a high-speed dental handpiece and other dental instruments.
- Preparing cavity restorations.
- Milling a CAD/CAM porcelain restoration with 3Shape TRIOS®.
- Modeling a central incisor in wax.
- Participation in a full-day dental specialty boot camp.
- Lunch with current students, faculty, and administration.
- Meeting the director of admissions.
Program Details:
- Open to all individuals considering a career in dentistry.
- 60 positions available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Enrichment Programs
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.
Program Highlights:
- Strengthens academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions.
- Prepares students for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools.
- Curriculum incorporates interprofessional education competencies and leadership.
- Offered at multiple universities, including:
- Howard University (medical, dental, nursing, and pharmacy pathways)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Charles R. Drew University
- University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
- Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, and College of Pharmacy
- Western University
Common Components of SHPEP Programs:
- Science Academic Enrichment
- Medical, Nursing, Dental, and Pharmacy Career Development
- Personal Development
- Health Equity and Health Policy
- Learning Skills Orientation
- Written & Oral Communication Development
- Clinical Experience
- Financial Planning Orientation
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or individual granted DACA status.
- Have not previously participated in the program.
VCU Summer Academic Enrichment Program
The 6-week Summer Academic Enrichment Program provides a glimpse into the first year at dental school and other healthcare-related disciplines.
Program Highlights:
- Attend classes in dentistry and non-credit core coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.
- Participate in test-taking workshops, mock interviews, professional development seminars, and community service activities.
- Interprofessional framework.
- Assessment on preparedness to attend dental school.
Program Details:
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status
Texas A&M Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program (SPEP) Collegiate III
This 6-week program is designed to explore dental medicine and enhance knowledge of academic science.
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Program Highlights:
- Complete 5 core courses: Introduction to the Human Body, Pre-Clinical Dentistry, Learning Strategies, DAT Preparation, and Investigating Dentistry.
- Conduct research on a dental topic and present findings.
- Participate in intramural and extramural clinical rotations.
- Interact with dental students, faculty, and administrators.
- Cultural competence seminars and pre-admissions counseling.
Program Details:
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident (preference given to Texas residents), completed at least 60 semester hours of college, completed required science coursework, and have a GPA of at least 2.75.
UNC Chapel Hill Science Enrichment Preparation (S.E.P.) Program
This 8-week honors-level program is for students planning to attend medical or dental school.
Program Highlights:
- 150 hours of classes covering Physics, Organic Chemistry, Human Physiology, and Quantitative Skills/Biostatistics.
- Visits to local health centers to network with healthcare professionals.
- Shadow a healthcare practitioner in the field of your interest.
- Gain pre-dental exposure in a Dental Laboratory Course.
- Classes and seminars on reading speed and comprehension, test-taking strategies, essay writing, and interview techniques.
Program Details:
- Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Cost: Free
Summer Enrichment Program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
The SEP helps undergraduates prepare for the DAT and the dental school application process.
Program Highlights:
- Assistance with DAT preparation and the dental school application process.
- Financial aid and interview preparation workshops.
- Observe dental practice in clinics or other sites.
- Learn about various specialties by interacting with professionals.
- Networking events, academic success, professional development, and cultural competency seminars.
Program Details:
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred DACA or have the appropriate documentation to apply to dental school; and identify as educational, socially or economically disadvantaged and/or underrepresented minorities in the field of dentistry.
Students Training in Academia, Health, and Research (STAHR) Scholars Program
Personal and professional development in the STAHR program prepares undergraduates for a healthcare career.
Program Highlights:
- Clinical observations with practicing dental, medical, and pharmacy professionals.
- Contribute to service projects in the Kansas City community.
- Complete a research project with UMKC faculty.
- Develop skills in writing, leadership, and networking.
- Mentorship throughout the academic year.
Program Details:
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA, and are economically or educationally disadvantaged.
Other Notable Programs
Ladder University Internship Program
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective program that places ambitious college students in high-growth start-ups.
Program Highlights:
- Intern with start-ups in various industries, including tech, AI, health tech, marketing, and consulting.
- Learn hands-on practical skills.
- Work with and be mentored by a manager and company coach.
- Complete and present a project that solves real-world problems.
Program Details:
- Location: Remote
- Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
- Application Deadlines: Vary depending on the cohort (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
- Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
- Eligibility: Students who can work for 5 - 10 hours/week for 8 weeks. Open to college students and young professionals.
Bringing Smiles Dental Enrichment Program
BSDEP prepares 5 students per semester to enter dental school.
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Program Highlights:
- Attend dental school lectures and seminars.
- Participate in "Bringing Smiles to NYC Schools," a dental program in New York City public schools.
- Receive mentorship from a faculty member and a dental student.
- Seminars and professional development workshops to prepare for dental school.
- Access to research opportunities.
Program Details:
- Location: Hybrid, with in-person components in New York
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 5
- Eligibility: College sophomores, juniors, and seniors living in the tri-state area
Gateway to Dentistry Program (Rutgers School of Dental Medicine)
The Gateway to Dentistry is a 2-week interactive program that affords each participant a birds-eye exposure to the various aspects of the practice of dentistry. The program is open to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students and qualified recent graduates.
Program Details:
- Application Fee: $50 + $170 for equipment, materials and identification badge required by the University (payable to RSDM) once accepted into the program.
InDent Program (VCU School of Dentistry)
InDent is a one-week summer program designed to introduce college students to the dental profession.
Benefits of Participating in Dental Summer Programs
Participating in dental summer programs offers numerous benefits for undergraduate students:
- Exposure to the Dental Field: Gain firsthand experience in dental settings, observing procedures and interacting with dental professionals.
- Skill Development: Develop essential skills in research, clinical practice, and communication.
- Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with dentists, faculty, and other students interested in dentistry.
- Strengthened Application: Demonstrate commitment to the field and enhance dental school applications.
- Career Guidance: Receive guidance on the dental school application process and career paths in dentistry.
- Personal Growth: Enhance personal and professional development through workshops, seminars, and community service activities.
- Patient empowerment: You can give patients smiles and improved oral health.
- Prevention: In oral exams, you may detect issues that go beyond tooth decay and gum disease. These may include oral cancer or other systemic issues like cardiovascular problems or diabetes.
- Creativity: You will have the opportunity to use your artistic and scientific talents in many ways, seeking innovative solutions for patient needs.
- Research and technology: Many dentists play an active role in the scientific advancement of oral health.
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