Program Overview

Introduction to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Externship

The Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery offers an Extern program based out of Parkland Health & Hospital System. This experience is designed for dental students in their third or fourth year of a U.S. or Canadian dental school who are interested in an intense experience in clinical oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Program Structure

• The externship is a week-long experience, starting on a Monday and ending on a Friday.
• Externs work alongside interns and residents, participating in daily clinic activities, making rounds, attending conferences and seminars, and occasionally observing in the operating room.
• Externs are supervised and are expected to spend long hours at the hospital.

Eligibility and Requirements

• The program is open to dental students in the third or fourth year of a U.S. or Canadian dental school.
• Applicants must submit their application by April 1 for externships during May, June, July, and August.
• Selections are made shortly after the application deadline.
• Due to limited spots, only four externs are accepted at a time.
• For less competitive months, applications do not have to be completed by April 1.

Application Process

• Interested dental students must complete and submit the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Externship/Internship Application.
• Additional required documents include:
  • A photocopy of Part 1 of National Dental Board Scores
  • Current academic record
  • National Board of Medical Examinees Comprehensive Basic Science Examination
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Housing and Insurance

• Housing is not provided for externs, but a list of suitable housing accommodations in the area can be requested if necessary.
• Externs must show proof of malpractice insurance prior to their arrival for the externship, as it is not provided by the program.