The goal of the preceptorship is to provide educational experiences in the discipline of orthodontics to trained professionals in the dental field. The program is designed to provide the preceptor with an improved understanding of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and an opportunity to improve his/her knowledge in areas of clinical practice, teaching, or research.
Length of Preceptorship
The Preceptorship Program in Orthodontics will be offered in 12-week modules (three months). Applicants may take up to four modules (Approval from the program director required). This means that a preceptorship can last from three months to 12 months at the discretion of the program director, but cannot be longer. The course is full-time; outside activities that interfere with the program are not permitted.
The program offers full participation in the didactic program and clinical observation in a modern orthodontic clinic working with our highly qualified faculty. In addition, there will be opportunities for limited research experience. Preceptors do not treat patients in the clinic.
Program Status
Only preceptors who are willing to stay 6 months or more will have the opportunity to do the research project. Upon completion of the program, the preceptor 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: 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.
Status of Preceptors
Preceptors will be categorized as volunteers registered through the Continuing Dental Education Department of the University of California, San Francisco.
International preceptors 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 resident, a green card, a H-4 or J-2 visa.
Program Fee
There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $250 USD. Please click here to submit the application fee online. If accepted, the fee for a three-month program is $15,000. Preceptors are responsible for their own living, housing, health insurance, and visa expenses related to the program.
Number of Positions
1-3 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, visit the UCSF International Student and Scholars Office website or email visa@ucsf.edu.
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)
- 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. You may request a waiver. Please click here to complete 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)
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 orthodontics, 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 for you to initiate the clearance process.
- You 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 (permanent resident, a green card, a H-4 or J-2) 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.
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.