The program offers full participation in the didactic program and clinical observation while working with our highly qualified faculty. In addition, there will be opportunities for clinically oriented research.
Length of Fellowship
The Division of Orthodontics at the University of California, San Francisco offers a one-year fellowship to domestic and overseas-qualified orthodontists.
Program Status
All fellows are expected to conduct a research project and submit an article to a peer-reviewed journal during their tenure. Upon completion of the program, the fellow will receive a certificate of participation as documentation of their participation in the program. This certificate is not the same as the postgraduate program certificate awarded to full-time postgraduate students in specialty programs as a qualification for recognition by the American Dental Association, nor is it considered in the United States as evidence of advanced study or recognition of specialty training.
Note: Fellowships do not serve as an admissions pipeline or referral source for other School of Dentistry programs. Applicants for DDS, IDP, or other programs receive no special consideration based on participation in a preceptorship. These programs are not intended to prepare individuals to practice a specialty. It is expected that the individuals will return to their practice or country after gaining insights and improving their experience in a specialized area for practice, teaching and patient benefit.
Status of Fellows
Fellows will be categorized as volunteers registered through the Continuing Dental Education Department of the University of California, San Francisco.
International fellows who require visa sponsorship will be required to be supported on the J-1 Student-Non Degree visa. For information on the J-1 Student Non-Degree visa, please visit the UCSF International Student and Scholars Office website or email visa@ucsf.edu.
J1 Eligibility Requirements - Applicable to candidates who do not possess permanent residence, a green card, or an H-4 or J-2 visa.
Program Fee
A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $250 USD. You may pay by credit card (MC, VISA, AMEX) - click here. If accepted, the fee for the one-year program is $55,000 USD. The applicants are responsible for their own living and housing expenses while in the program.
Number of Positions
1-2 preceptors per module
Application Procedure
Note: Please note that the start date can vary due to holidays observed and if a candidate requires a J1 visa. For information on the J-1 Student Non-Degree visa, please visit the UCSF International Student and Scholars Office website or email visa@ucsf.edu.
J1 Eligibility Requirements - Applicable to candidates who do not possess permanent residence, a green card, or an H-4 or J-2 visa.
Applicants will be considered only after all of the following materials are submitted:
- A complete application for admission to the preceptorship program - click here
- An official transcript of the applicant's dental education records (if necessary transcribed into English)
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty in the orthodontic program from which they graduated
- A TOEFL score of 550, or a computer-based score of 213, or an internet-based score of 79-80 is required of students from non-English-speaking countries. A copy is acceptable. An interview in English may be required. You may request a waiver. Please click here to complete the form.
- A non-refundable application fee of $250 for each program you are applying for - click here to pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express)
- Documentation to verify at least two years of practice experience either as faculty in a dental school's orthodontic program or in private practice
- Documentation to verify their orthodontic specialty training
Admissions Process
The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:
- Academic achievement (GPA and class rank if available)
- Research interests
- Content of personal statement, including the applicants interest in orthodontics, reason for applying to the program, and goals for the program
- Content of confidential reports
Additional requirements upon acceptance:
Participants are required to have a clearance from Occupational Health Services (OHS):
- Please review the clearance requirements here.
- Our office will submit the Service Request to initiate the clearance process for each participant.
- Participants will be contacted by OHS with a link to the portal and an authorization code.
- If there are questions during the clearance process contact OHS at 415-885-7580.
- Please take the requested actions as instructed by OHS immediately to avoid a delay in the program start date.
Complete and pass a background check. In instances where negative or incomplete information is obtained, the appropriate management and Program Director will assess the potential risks and liabilities related to the position’s requirements and determine whether the individual can continue in the program.
Proof of valid Visa or apply/obtain J-1 Student-Non Degree visa. For information on the J-1 Student Non-Degree visa, visit the UCSF International Student and Scholars Office website or email visa@ucsf.edu. J1 Eligibility Requirements - Applicable to candidates who do not possess permanent resident, a green card, a H-4 or J-2 visa.
Incomplete applications will prohibit applicants from moving forward in the application process.
Should you have any questions, contact our CDE Office at cde@ucsf.edu or 415.514.0778.