The Office of Continuing Oral Health Professional Education offers individual customized programs to enable professionals to learn one-on-one with a faculty mentor(s). Currently 2 types of customized programs are offered:

1. Preceptorship program (1-12 months)
2. Personal mentorship program (less than 1 month)


1. Preceptorship Program

The Preceptorship Program is a non-degree offering of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. This program allows national and international dentists, researchers, and scholars an opportunity to spend a specified amount of time in residence at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry pursuing educational enrichment, collaboration and study.

Guidelines:

  • The term of the preceptorship at USC can vary from one month to one year, depending on the area of focus and the ability to make suitable placement. In no event will the term of enrollment exceed one year.
  • Following approval of the preceptor's application for study, a primary faculty mentor, and when appropriate additional mentor(s), will be identified and an academic schedule will be developed, wherein the preceptor will be assigned rotations, seminars, classes and/or other enrichment experiences.
  • All instruction at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry is conducted at an accelerated pace and in English. All preceptors are expected to be able to understand and speak English so that their educational experience is optimized. Upon arrival at USC, should it be determined that the preceptor lacks sufficient ability to speak and understand English, the USC School of Dentistry reserves the right to require that the student enroll in classes offered through the USC American Language Institute prior to or simultaneous with study at the USC School of Dentistry. The cost of this enrollment, if required, will be in addition to the cost of the preceptorship tuition.
  • Because of the high cost of health care in the United States, the federal government requires that all visiting scholars from abroad and accompanying dependents be covered by adequate health and accident insurance while in this country. Failure to carry adequate insurance may lead to termination of the preceptorship status. Approximate cost for this coverage ranges from $40.00 to $350.00 per month. Further information about health insurance for international students and scholars is available through the USC Office of International Services.
  • Upon completion of the program the preceptor will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the USC School of Dentistry.

Fees:

  • The base tuition fee for participation in the Preceptorship Program is $4,500 per month. This amount does not include the cost of transportation, housing, food or other personal expenses.
  • The cost of mandatory English classes (if required) will be in addition to the tuition amount cited above.

Application Procedure:

  • Applicants must complete the formal application and submit it with the following documentation:
    1. $345.00 application and processing fee includes the following:
      • $250.00 J-1 Visa processing fee/university fee (if such visa is required)
      • $95.00 processing Fee
    2. Two letters of evaluation from former dental school instructors
    3. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) or Biographical Statement
    4. Dental School Transcripts with English translation
    5. Scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. The minimum acceptable score on this exam is 250. TOEFL can be waived if the assigned faculty mentor is satisfied with the candidate's proficiency in English
  • Non US residents requiring a visa must provide a current bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds to support the cost of tuition and living expenses. Currently, this amount is approximately $ US 75,000 per year. In addition, these applicants must submit the Request for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa Status (Form DS-2019). The DS-2019 form must be presented to receive the J-1 visa status. This form shows the authorized program participation dates and a description of the program of activity.
     
    Link to application form
    Link to DS-2019 form


2. Personal Mentorship Program

The Personal Mentorship Program is a non-degree offering of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. This program allows national and international dentists, researchers, and scholars an opportunity to spend a specified amount of time in residence at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry pursuing educational enrichment, collaboration and study.

Guidelines:

  • The Personal Mentorship Program can vary from several days to one month, depending on the area of focus.
  • Following approval of the application for the program, a primary faculty mentor, and when appropriate additional mentor(s), will be identified and an academic schedule will be developed.
  • All instruction is conducted at an accelerated pace and in English. All students are expected to be able to understand and speak English so that their educational experience is optimized. Upon arrival at USC, should it be determined that the preceptor lacks sufficient ability to speak and understand English, the USC School of Dentistry reserves the right to require that the student enroll in classes offered through the USC American Language Institute prior to or simultaneous with study at the USC School of Dentistry. The cost of this enrollment, if required, will be in addition to the cost of the preceptorship tuition.
  • Because of the high cost of health care in the United States, the federal government requires that all visiting scholars from abroad and accompanying dependents be covered by adequate health and accident insurance while in this country. Failure to carry adequate insurance may lead to termination of the program. Approximate cost for this coverage ranges from $40.00 to $350.00 per month. Further information about health insurance for international students and scholars is available through the USC Office of International Services.
  • Upon completion of the program the student will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the USC School of Dentistry.

Fees:

  • The tuition fee will depend on the nature and content of the personal mentorship. Please contact our office with the name of your desired faculty mentor and study plans. Tuition fees do not include the cost of transportation, housing, food or other personal expenses.
  • The cost of mandatory English classes (if required) will be in addition to the tuition amount cited above.

Application Procedure:

  • Applicants must complete the formal application and submit it together with $95 processing fees. Should a student visa be required to comply with the policies of the US immigration authorities, additional $250 J-1 visa processing fees/university fees will be required. In addition, applicants should submit the following:
    1. Copy of diploma
    2. Short Curriculum Vitae (Resume) or Biographical Statement
    3. Scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. The minimum acceptable score on this exam is 250. TOEFL can be waived if the assigned faculty mentor is satisfied with the candidate's proficiency in English
  • Non US residents requiring a visa must provide a current bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds to support the cost of tuition and living expenses. Currently, this amount is approximately $ US 75,000 per year. In addition, these applicants must submit the Request for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa Status (Form DS-2019). The DS-2019 form must be presented to receive the J-1 visa status. This form shows the authorized program participation dates and a description of the program of activity.

    Link to application form
    Link to DS-2019 form

  • For visa type, eligibility and requirements, if visa is mandatory, please consult with US immigration authority or your local US consulate.