Observation, Externships, and Internships
What is an externship/observership?
  • An externship/observership is a visit to a school for the purposes of observation or learning 
  • They are generally offered by most schools and allow visiting students to observe for days, weeks, or even months
  • They can be paid or free
  • An internship is similar but generally longer in duration and you will be allowed to work on patients, function as a resident, etc. (The admissions criteria for these is much more difficult)

What is the importance of an externship?
  • In my opinion, this is the single most important thing you can do to get admitted into an advanced standing program
  • This experience will allow you to become acquainted with the American style of doing things, and more importantly, it will allow you to develop PERSONAL CONNECTIONS with faculty and students at the dental school
  • I urge you to express yourself, be open and friendly, and humble during these visits
  • Most importantly, DO NOT BE FAKE!! Most faculty (ESPECIALLY those on the admissions committee) have seen hundreds of candidates like you and it takes them seconds to see through insincerity-- just be yourself and be honest about who you are and what you know
  • I honestly believe this is the best advice I can offer you through this website, and this method is certainly what got me the admissions offers that I got

How do I get accepted into an externship?
  • Some programs have formal application procedures to become an extern/observer
  • Most of the time, you have to select a department you're interested in (general dentistry, perio, OMFS, etc. ) and send the concerned faculty member an email expressing your interest and available dates
  • After that they will direct you in the proper application procedure

How many externships should I do?
  • This is a completely voluntary part of the application process but I would encourage you to do as many as possible to meet people and learn various systems
  • It will also be useful for you as it will give you a chance to acquaint yourself with residency programs you may want to apply to following completion of your DDS/DMD

TIPS for externing/observing
  • Be yourself, be open, be interested, be punctual, be presentable, be organized
  • Don't get intimidated by the fast pace, new terminology, fancy technology, or quick-talking students/residents! I remember during my first externship in OMFS I felt like I knew nothing, however, I soon came to find out that there was a lot that I knew that they had no clue about as well. You'll adapt to the new scenario don't worry and don't waste valuable time and connections with being shy!
Please share your comments and questions below!