16 Dental Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student considering a career in dentistry, dental programs offer an early introduction to the field. These opportunities allow you to gain practical experience, develop scientific skills, and see how oral health research intersects with medicine, biology, and public health. From shadowing clinicians to working on laboratory-based projects or exploring community health research, many dental summer programs for high school students provide insight into how dental science works.
Why should I participate in a dental summer program in high school?
Dental summer programs include mentorship, academic guidance, and chances to present your research, which are valuable when preparing for college or a future dentistry career. You can learn techniques such as microscopy, cell culture, and basic molecular biology methods like PCR and gel electrophoresis. In addition, you will be exposed to specialized areas including craniofacial biology, oral microbiology, biomaterials, dental public health, and the connections between oral and overall health. These programs also enable you to develop a strong network of professionals who can write your letters of recommendation for college and guide your academic and career path.
Below are 16 dental summer programs for high school students to help you find a program that matches your interests and goals.
1. Dental Research Experience (D-REX) Program at UMSOD
Location: University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of up to $5,400
Dates: June 2 (Section I) or June 16 (Section II) to August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified, but applications are currently open
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Maryland public high schools with a minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA
In this nine-week program, the D-REX Program offers a full-time summer research experience funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. You work one-on-one with a faculty mentor in a research lab on a project related to oral health, biomedical science, or health disparities. About 80% of your time is spent on hands-on lab research, while the remaining 20% is devoted to seminars and skill-building sessions covering research methods, ethics, and career development. The program gives you practical experience and the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
If you want to conduct research in dentistry, this program is worth considering. The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
3. OHSU School of Dentistry Research Internship Program
Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $15/hour
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
Designed for high school students from underrepresented or rural Oregon communities, the OHSU School of Dentistry offers a six-to-eight-week mentored research internship focused on craniofacial and oral health sciences. You dive into active laboratory projects under faculty guidance, gaining hands-on experience in scientific inquiry. You will develop professional communication skills by presenting a group analysis of scientific literature and a solo summary of your specific research findings. This immersive experience concludes with a final showcase and career development sessions, providing a clear pathway for you to explore future opportunities within the dental and medical fields.
4. Texas A&M University Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program (SPEP)
Location: Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount unspecified
Dates: July 14–18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Dallas-area high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum 2.75 GPA, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program is a one-week program that introduces high school students to both the academic and practical sides of dentistry. You will attend lectures focused on preclinical dentistry and take part in lab sessions using dental materials. These activities help you become familiar with basic dental tools and techniques. You also participate in the Investigation Dentistry component, where you research a dental topic and present your findings to mentors and peers. The program includes a Cultural Competency Seminar that explores how social and cultural factors influence patient care.
5. ADA Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program
Location: ADA Forsyth Institute, Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Minimum wage paid
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at the time of application in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program gives Massachusetts high school students the opportunity to conduct research in a professional lab focused on oral health, immunology, microbiology, and related fields. During the program, you work on an independent research project with direct mentorship from Forsyth faculty, gaining experience with essential lab techniques and real-world scientific methods. Each week, you attend lectures led by researchers and present your progress to peers and mentors, building both communication and analytical skills. The program concludes with a formal poster presentation, where you share your research with members of the Boston-area scientific community.
6. University of Connecticut High School Student Research Apprentice Program
Location: UConn (Mansfield) or Central Connecticut State University (New Britain), CT
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 17
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Connecticut high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds who have completed high school with a ‘B’ average or higher and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The University of Connecticut’s High School Research Program offers current 11th-grade students a five-week summer opportunity to gain in-depth research experience in fields related to dental medicine, medicine, and biomedical science. Through placement in either a basic science or clinical research laboratory, you will work alongside researchers and contribute to ongoing studies. Throughout the program, you are actively involved in laboratory projects, developing essential research skills, including techniques such as cell culture and molecular biology. This hands-on experience helps you build a strong foundation for future academic and career paths in the medical or dental fields.
7. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 15
Stanford University’s Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) internship is a highly selective program that allows you to work alongside clinician–scientist mentors in research laboratories on a project aligned with your interests. The program is run by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department, and much of the research and clinical exposure involves Craniofacial Surgery, Cleft & Craniofacial Care, and Maxillofacial Surgery. Beyond laboratory research, you receive safety training, read and analyze scientific papers, and gain access to advanced technology and research resources. You also attend lectures, take part in social and networking events, and present your findings at the end of the program, helping you build both research skills and professional confidence.
8. UC College of Dentistry – Urban Health Program Dental Camp
Location: UIC College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: August 4–8
Application Deadline: Typically, late spring/early summer
Eligibility: All high school students
In the UIC Urban Health Program Dental Camp, you’ll dive into a weeklong intensive that introduces you to the essential scientific principles and advanced technologies driving modern dentistry. You will engage in activities like clinical simulations and laboratory exercises, where you might practice technical tasks or observe procedures during clinical rotations. The program features personalized mentoring from current dental students and faculty who share their own journeys from underrepresented backgrounds. Beyond learning about oral anatomy and hygiene, you will develop practical hand-eye coordination and critical thinking skills necessary for diagnostic work.
9. Old Dominion University: Dental Health Summer Institute
Location: Hybrid: Virtual sessions daily + In-person option on June 26 at ODU (Norfolk, VA) or partner community colleges
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
In this program, you will explore the diverse career pathways within oral health, from dental hygiene to specialized dentistry. Throughout the week, you will cover essential topics like oral anatomy, radiographic imaging, and the link between oral health and systemic wellness. You will engage in hands-on activities using a complimentary dental lab kit mailed to your home, allowing you to practice tooth examination, set up X-ray machines, and experiment with dental impressions. By the end of the session, you will have gained foundational technical skills and a deeper understanding of the college admissions process for health sciences.
10. Virginia Center for Orthodontics (VCO) Summer Internship
Location: Virginia Center of Orthodontics, Arlington, VI
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 4 days in one week between June and August with flexible dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
The VCO Summer Internship is a solid choice if you want exposure to both clinical orthodontics and professional career pathways. During the program, you observe orthodontic procedures and learn about the materials used in braces. You also work with diagnostic tools such as panoramic X-rays and become familiar with terminology related to malocclusions and oral pathology. You complete a thesis project in one of three focus areas: quality improvement, small business management, or patient experience. The curriculum also introduces infection control standards and outlines the academic and residency requirements needed to pursue a career in orthodontics.
11. Anchor Future Dentist Program
Location: Anchor Family Dentistry, Commerce Township, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: One week in the summer (June-August)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in 11th and 12th grades
In this program, you shadow a practicing dentist in a clinical setting, observing procedures and patient consultations. This experience helps you explore your interest in the field and provides a clear understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a dental professional. Beyond observation, you gain hands-on experience by performing a dental impression on a typodont and pouring a model in stone. This practical activity allows you to develop basic technical skills while learning about the materials and techniques used in dental practice. Overall, the program offers both clinical exposure and skill-building opportunities, giving you a well-rounded introduction to dentistry.
12. Virginia Commonwealth University's Dental Careers Exploration
Location: VCU School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Rising 10th to graduating seniors in the Richmond area with a 3.0+ GPA who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In the VCU Dental Careers Exploration program, your days will be centered on practical learning through interactive modules that cover dental anatomy, terminology, and the critical link between oral health and overall wellness. You will get to perform tooth carving, take dental impressions on mannequins, practice suturing techniques, and even work with 3D printing in a digital dentistry lab. You will receive direct mentorship from VCU faculty and current dental students, who offer a real-world look at the academic journey and daily life in the clinic. Ultimately, you will leave with the confidence and a strategic roadmap to navigate the competitive path toward becoming a dental professional.
13. Harvard Medical School MEDscienceDental
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $2,800; limited scholarships available for Boston-area students
Dates: August 3–7
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 at the time of application; not open to alumni of other Harvard MEDscience programs
Harvard’s MEDscienceDental program offers high school students an immersive introduction to clinical dentistry through interactive simulations and case-based learning at Harvard Medical School. During this intensive one-week experience, you’ll practice essential clinical skills such as suturing, impression taking, digital scanning, and tooth carving while working in teams to diagnose and treat realistic patient scenarios in a simulation lab. In addition to hands-on training, you interact closely with dental students and faculty from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, gaining valuable perspectives on dental education, career paths, and life in the profession. The program also focuses on building curiosity, teamwork, and clear professional communication.
14. Tufts University Mini Dental School
Location: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Session 1: $3,625 and Session 2: Commuter $5,425 | Residential $6,950; limited need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Session 1 (Commuter Only): June 22 – 26 | Session 2: Residential: July 5 – July 17; Commuter: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as recent high school graduates who are at least 16 years old and have completed 1 year of biology
In this program, you gain experience with essential dental procedures, including cavity filling, plaque removal, and suturing, while learning about dental anatomy and the technologies used in modern dental practice. Designed to highlight the connection between oral health and overall wellness, the program incorporates case-based learning and exposure to a variety of dental specialties. Your experience concludes with a capstone project, where you apply your knowledge to propose innovative solutions or ideas in oral healthcare and present them at a final showcase. Throughout the week, you build technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional confidence in an academic environment.
15. UOP Pacific Summer High School Institute: Future Dentists
Location: Stockton Campus (Residential) & San Francisco Campus (Dugoni School Clinical Days)
Cost/Stipend: $3,800; $500 discount available for eligible students
Dates: June 16 – 26
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders (ages 14–18)
In this program, you will cover essential topics like dental anatomy, ethics, and the latest in digital dentistry through workshops led by experts from the Dugoni School of Dentistry. Your days will be filled with hands-on activities such as practicing cavity preparations in simulation labs, creating dental impressions, and shadowing clinicians in a real-world setting. A standout feature of this program is the unique opportunity to learn directly within a top-tier dental school in San Francisco while gaining a head start on the admissions process. Through these experiences, you will sharpen your manual dexterity and diagnostic thinking, skills that are crucial for any future clinician.
16. Stony Brook University Pre-College Summer Program: Dive Into Dental Sciences
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $2,250 + $50 application fee; scholarships are available
Dates: June 28 – July 3
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors between the ages of 15 and 17 in good academic standing; U.S. residents only
In Stony Brook University’s Dive Into Dental Sciences program, you will spend a week experiencing what it’s like to be a dental student. In the preclinical lab, you will work with high-speed handpieces, practice cavity restoration, create dental impressions and stone models, and attempt banana suturing. You will also tour the dental school and watch demonstrations at the Center for Implant and Dental Technology. A key highlight is that you will meet current dental students and faculty over lunch and will learn about the Scholars for Dental Medicine program, a fast-track Bachelor’s/DDS option.
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