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 one or more 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 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
All preceptors are expected to conduct a limited research project during their tenure. 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 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
1-2 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, 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 score of 550 or computer based score of 213 or 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 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 applicants interest in orthodontics, reason for applying to the program, and goals for the program
- Content of letters of recommendation
Additional requirements upon acceptance:
- Submit a complete Immunization Record, including TB test results within the past three months. Forms must be submitted 1 month prior to the start of the program and participants may not start the program until they have been cleared.
- Participants must provide evidence of health insurance that will cover for illnesses in the United States of America which can be in form of a copy of your insurance card
- Proof of full vaccination with US vaccine or WHO approved vaccine and Booster shot. All participants must be fully vaccinated with a US vaccine or WHO-approved vaccine means that the participant is more than 2 weeks after receipt of the final dose in a 2-dose series (like Pfizer or Moderna) or the single-dose vaccine (like Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen). Participants who have not completed the dose requirements of a vaccine, and participants who have not received a WHO approved vaccine are not fully vaccinated. Individuals must also have received a booster shot after the initial series of vaccination in accordance with UCSF policy. https://coronavirus.ucsf.edu/vaccines
- 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.
- Comply with UCSF's face covering protocols, as well as other applicable UCSF Event protocols.
- Comply with UCSF travel policy. Most current information on return from international or domestic travel can be accessed at: https://coronavirus.ucsf.edu/travel Two-step COVID-19 testing required following international travel: Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals returning to onsite work within 10 days following international travel are required to take and submit an approved COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entering a UCSF facility (before or during first day onsite). A second COVID-19 test is required 3 to 5 days following the first UCSF test. As circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, UCSF will update its travel guidance in accordance with the latest public health orders. This guidance is effective until further notice
- 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.