12 Dental Internships for Undergraduates
Undergraduate students looking to explore professional opportunities outside the classroom can benefit from internships. Internships are designed to provide experience in specific fields, enhancing your employability upon graduation from college. As a college student, this is the ideal time to supplement your academic learning with industry exposure, making your profile stand out among a pool of candidates.
Internships also provide an opportunity to interact with professionals and build a network. Dentistry is a field that requires medical knowledge and practical skills, and dental internships can provide you with both. Internships are typically held over the summer, so you don’t need to compromise on your academics.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of the 12 best dental internships for undergraduates.
1. Oregon Health & Science University Research Internship Program
The OHSU Research Internship Program is designed to help students explore careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. You will be mentored by a researcher and participate in activities designed to help you pursue a career in science. As an intern, you will conduct research specific to your educational level for 8 weeks in one of OHSU’s labs, namely, Dental Public Health, Clinical Orthodontics, Biomaterials, Oral Microbiome, and Tissue Engineering. You will learn to analyze data, use lab equipment, conduct testing procedures, and more. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings and learn from other students’ research.
Location: Multiple locations in Oregon
Cost: Free. Stipend of $15 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: The exact date is not available
Program Dates: 8 weeks
Eligibility: Students in high school or an undergraduate degree program, or recent graduates from an undergraduate program
2. Ladder University Internship Program
The Ladder University Internship Program, a highly selective start-up internship program, is available for ambitious college students to get work experience. Interning with a high-growth start-up, you will learn hands-on practical skills relevant to your field. These start-ups are involved in a diverse range of industries, such as tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore the available options on this application form. Because the start-ups that you can intern with are high-growth companies, on average raising over a million dollars, you will see up close how a business function and the career options available to you. As an intern, you can expect to be work with and be mentored by a manager and company coach. By the end of the program, you will complete and present a project that solves real-world problems. Here is the application form.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 5 – 10 hours/week for 8 weeks. Open to college students and young professionals!
Through this internship program, you will gain practical skills and contribute to community health in an international healthcare setting. This internship, open to pre-dentistry undergraduates, offers clinical experience in general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. Physician shadowing and clinical rotations allow you to observe dental procedures, assist in patient care, and participate in community dental health programs. Experienced dentists and healthcare professionals mentor interns throughout the program, which involves a theoretical module. You will also participate in sustainable community programs aimed at addressing diseases and illnesses. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation from IMA.
Location: Various countries
Cost: Varies by country, ranging from $3,050 to $7,550. Financial aid is available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 35 – 70
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Flexible depending on your schedule, but range from 2 – 8 weeks
Eligibility: Pre-dentistry students, current dental students, and recent dental graduates seeking international clinical exposure
4. Midtown Dental Group’s Dental Internship and Shadowing Program
MDG’s Dental Internship and Shadowing Program enables undergraduates to gain experience working with a skilled team and utilizing advanced equipment. You will observe dental procedures, assist with patient care, participate in clinical operations, and engage in administrative tasks. Training will be provided in essential protocols, using equipment, and patient care systems. These training modules cover OSHA Compliance, Infection Control, HIPAA Protocols, Bloodborne Pathogen Management, and Advanced Technology. Some interns may also have the opportunity to work on a research initiative or prepare a case review presentation.
Location: Multiple locations in New York and New Jersey
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: The exact date is not available. Fall internships are available.
Program Dates: 4 – 12 weeks
Eligibility: High school and college students
5. Bringing Smiles Dental Enrichment Program
BSDEP prepares 5 students per semester to enter dental school. In this program, you will attend dental school lectures and seminars, and participate in “Bringing Smiles to NYC Schools,” a dental program in New York City public schools. You will receive mentorship from both a faculty member and a dental student throughout the program. Seminars and professional development workshops will prepare you to apply to and succeed at dental school. Additionally, you will have access to research opportunities.
Location: Hybrid, with in-person components in New York
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 5
Application Deadline: The exact date is not available
Program Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: College sophomores, juniors, and seniors living in the tri-state area
6. 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. You will attend classes in dentistry and non-credit core coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. Additionally, you will participate in test-taking workshops, mock interviews, professional development seminars, and community service activities within an interprofessional framework. Towards the end of the program, you will be assessed on your preparedness to attend dental school.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Cost: Free. Stipend is provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: May 20 – June 27
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, graduates, and post-baccalaureate students who have a minimum GPA of 2.75, have completed three years of college coursework, including organic chemistry I and II (note: organic chemistry not required for physical therapy track), and have U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status.
7. Texas A&M Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program (SPEP) Collegiate II
If you’re looking to explore dental medicine and enhance your knowledge of academic science, consider applying to this 6-week program. To prepare for taking the DAT and dental school, you will complete 5 core courses: Introduction to the Human Body, Pre-Clinical Dentistry, Learning Strategies, DAT Preparation, and Investigating Dentistry. In Investigating Dentistry, you will conduct research on a dental topic and present your findings. This program also offers the opportunity to participate in intramural and extramural clinical rotations, as well as interact with dental students, faculty, and administrators. Cultural competence seminars and pre-admissions counseling are available.
Location: Dallas, Texas
Cost: Free. Stipend is provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 20
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: May 19 – June 27
Eligibility: College students who are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (preference will be given to residents of the State of Texas), have completed at least 60 semester hours of college by the end of the Spring Semester, have completed at least 8 hours of biology, 8 hours of general chemistry, and 8 hours of organic chemistry (including labs) by the end of the Spring Semester, and have a grade point average of at least 2.75 or higher
8. Students Training in Academia, Health, and Research Scholars Program
Personal and professional development in the STAHR program prepares undergraduates for a healthcare career. The 6-week summer program exposes you to what it means to be a health professional. You will attend clinical observations with practicing dental, medical, and pharmacy professionals and contribute to service projects in the Kansas City community. You will also complete a research project with UMKC faculty. Other opportunities allow you to develop skills in writing, leadership, and networking. Throughout the academic year, you will be mentored by professionals and participate in community service and healthcare-related experiences.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free. Stipend is provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June – April
Eligibility: College students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA, and are economically disadvantaged OR educationally disadvantaged.
9. Research Education in Oral Health Sciences (REOHS) Program
The REOHS program aims to increase representation in the field of oral health sciences. Classroom instruction will introduce you to the principles of conducting research and clinical dentistry. After being matched with a faculty research mentor, you will learn from their experience and complete a research assignment. Dental students will act as peer mentors. The program provides individualized learning and career development opportunities. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings in the form of a poster.
Location: New York
Cost: Free. Stipend of $5,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: June 2 – July 3
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students or high school seniors who are entering their freshman year of college
10. Summer Health Professions Education Program
This free program prepares undergraduates for dental school and a career in dentistry. Through individual and group learning, you will engage with the basic sciences and quantitative topics. Small-group rotations in healthcare settings, simulation experiences, and seminars provide valuable clinical experience. Career development sessions are designed to explore the health professions, the admissions process, and develop an education plan. A financial planning workshop and health policy seminar series will teach you financial literacy and current health policy issues, respectively.
Location: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 5
Program Dates: 6 weeks
Eligibility: College students who have earned no more than 90 credits when submitting their application; have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5; are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted DACA status; and have not previously participated in the program.
11. 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. This assistance is enhanced by financial aid and interview preparation workshops. You will observe dental practice in clinics or other sites and learn about various specialties by interacting with professionals. Networking events, as well as academic success, professional development, and cultural competency seminars, are integrated into the program.
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Cost: Free. Stipend is provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: May 27 – June 27
Eligibility: College juniors and seniors and recent college graduates; have a minimum of 2.9 science GPA; are a 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. Please check the program website for additional academic requirements.
12. UNC Chapel Hill Science Enrichment Preparation (S.E.P.) Program
This honors-level program, lasting 8 weeks, is for students planning to attend medical or dental school. 150 hours of classes cover topics such as Physics, Organic Chemistry, Human Physiology, and Quantitative Skills/Biostatistics. Visits to local health centers provide the opportunity to network with healthcare professionals. You will shadow a healthcare practitioner in the field of your interest and gain pre-dental exposure in a Dental Laboratory Course. Additional classes and seminars will cover reading speed and comprehension, test-taking strategies, essay writing, and interview techniques.
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Cost: Free. Stipend is provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 9
Program Dates: May 21 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising college sophomores or juniors enrolled in a college/university, community college or early college program; who have completed a minimum of three college-level credit hours each in math, biology and chemistry by summer; have a science/overall GPA of 3.0 or higher; are a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident; and come from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background