The Division of Endodontics at the University of California, San Francisco offers a three-month preceptorship program in the specialty of endodontics to domestic and overseas-qualified dentists. The program is offered through the Continuing Education Program within the School of Dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco.

Length of the Preceptorship

The preceptorship will be offered in 12-week modules; applicants may take up to four modules. This means that a preceptorship can last from three months to 12 months at the discretion of the director of the Postgraduate Program in Endodontics, but no longer. The course is full time; outside activities that interfere with the program are not permitted.

Program Fee

There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $250 USD. Please click here to submit application fee online. If accepted, the fee for a three month program is $6,500. Preceptors are responsible for their own living, housing, health insurance and visa expenses related to the program.

Status of the Preceptors

Preceptors will be categorized as volunteers registered through the Continuing Dental Education Department of the University of California, San Francisco.

Note: Preceptorships 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.

International preceptors who require visa sponsorship will be required to be supported on the J-1 Student-Non Degree visa (Applicable to candidates who do not possess H4, Green Card, or US Citizen). 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. 

Subspecialty Areas offered for the Preceptorship in Endodontics

  • Diagnosis and treatment of the full range of endodontic diseases and conditions
  • Endodontic microsurgery surgery
  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
  • Management of traumatic injuries
  • Management of canals with open apexes

Course Outline

Preceptors will be full participants in the didactic program offered by the Division of Endodontics. This consists of the following:

  • Observe and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the Postgraduate Endodontic Clinic
  • Lecture/ Text Review
  • Current Literature Review
  • Classic Literature review
  • Multidisciplinary Implant Conference

Preceptors will participate in lab courses such as:

  • Cleaning and Shaping Techniques
  • ConeBeam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
  • Clinical Use Management Obstruction
  • Management of Canals with Open Apexes
  • Laboratory Radiographic and Digital Radiography Techniques
  • Microsurgical Techniques
  • Completion of a power view presentation

Preceptors do not treat patients in the clinic. Preceptors will observe activities in the Graduate Endodontic Clinics and will be involved in diagnosis and treatment planning of patients with problems within the area covered by their preceptorship.

At the beginning of the program, preceptors will meet with the program director who will review the overall schedule of activities. If opportunities are available, they may carry out a specific clinical or research project of their own under the guidance of a research mentor. In addition, the Program Director may arrange for separate educational activities for the preceptors with faculty in the Postgraduate Program in Endodontics.

Number of Positions

1-3 preceptors per module

Program Status

This preceptorship program is not accredited by any national or local accreditation body. A certificate of participation is awarded upon successful completion of the preceptor 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.

Application Procedure

Note: Please note that the start date can vary due to holidays observed and if a candidate requires a J1 visa. J1 Eligibility Requirements - Applicable to candidates who do not possess permanent resident, a green card, a 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 persons with knowledge of the applicant's skills and potential (scan and upload to online portal)
  • Completed State of Proficiency form
  • A TOEFL paper based test (PBT) score of 550 or computer based (CBT) score of 213 or internet based (iBT) score of 79-80 is required of students from non-English-speaking countries. A copy is acceptable. An interview in English may be required. 
  • 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)

Forms:

  • State of Proficiency in English form (PDF) You may request a waiver. 

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 applicant's interest in endodontics, reason for applying to the program, and goals for the program 
  • Content of letters of recommendation

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.