Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Preceptorship Program

• Program Overview
• Admissions Requirements
• Application Procedure
• Decisions Process
• Immigration Regulations
• Health Insurance
• Contact Information

Program Overview

Earl G. Freymiller, MD, DMD
Program Director

The purpose of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Preceptorship Program is to offer a broad, expanded educational experience in all aspects of clinical oral and maxillofacial surgery well beyond what is obtained in dental school. The program is intended for general dentists who wish to enhance their knowledge of the specialty. It is also beneficial for those who may be considering a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery but would like to obtain a greater exposure before making this important decision. The program can also be beneficial for established oral and maxillofacial surgeons who want to acquaint themselves with some of the latest cutting-edge concepts.

During the program, preceptors take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered to UCLA oral and maxillofacial surgery residents. Preceptors attend all weekly conferences, seminars, and other lectures, which are generally offered in the mornings and evenings. During the day, preceptors are involved in patient care offered by the residents and faculty. Preceptors can observe and assist in the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic and operating rooms at both the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the Harbor/UCLA Medical Center; however, direct patient care is not permitted.

A considerable component of training is devoted to the presentation of clinically oriented basic scientific material. The scientific background of oral and maxillofacial surgical practice is emphasized in seminars, lectures, and conferences. Specific lecture courses, such as head and neck anatomy, are available depending on the time of year. Weekly seminars run throughout the year, and include conferences on implants, orthognathic surgery, and teaching rounds. Other conferences, such as pathology review and journal club occur on a monthly basis.

The UCLA Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Preceptorship Program is hospital oriented with a well-proportioned balance of inpatient and outpatient care. The program offers strong clinical training, covering the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A variety of outpatient procedures are performed in the oral surgery clinic of the UCLA School of Dentistry, with a special emphasis on dental implants. Many procedures are performed in the operating rooms. These include orthognathic surgery, TMJ surgery, resection of pathologic lesions, reconstructive surgery, trauma surgery, etc.

Preceptors gain an important understanding for the vast and complex field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The structure of the preceptorship program can be customized for individuals with special areas of interest. For those wanting to expand their knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery, the preceptorship program offers unique educational opportunities. For those considering a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the program offers an exceptional opportunity to fully experience the specialty on a first-hand basis.

A certificate of attendance is awarded upon successful completion of the program. This certificate is not the same as the postgraduate program certificate awarded to full-time international postgraduates in specialty training as a qualification for recognition by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Length of Program: 1 – 4 quarters. Applicants must specify the quarter they would like to begin and the length of program they desire. It is encouraged that applicants apply for the one year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery International Postgraduate Training Program

Number of Positions: 2 (total preceptors and IPTP trainees)

Tuition: $4,700 per quarter (subject to change)*

Certificate Fee: one-time payment of $200

International Student Fee: $1,300 (only for those requesting I-20s for F-1 student status)

*Tuition for each quarter is due two weeks before the first day of the program.

Admissions Requirements

• Degree from a dental school accredited by the local government jurisdiction
• English language proficiency

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit all of the following materials:

• UCLA Preceptorship Program Application
• Official dental education transcripts translated into English or ECE Course-by-Course Report
• 3 confidential reports from people with knowledge of the applicant’s skills and potential
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants with English as a second language (an interview in English may also be required)
• One-time, non-refundable application fee of $150.00 (the application fee must be paid in US dollars in the form of a check drawn from a US-affiliated bank, cashier's check, or money order made payable to UC Regents.)

All application materials must be sent directly to:

If you wish to use a courier service please use the following address:

Incomplete files will not be considered.

Photocopies of official transcripts and TOEFL scores will not be accepted.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the initial quarter of enrollment.

Upon Acceptance: There is a non-refundable fee of $1,300 due after acceptance for those who need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa. There is also a $200 certificate fee to confirms your acceptance of the program. These fees are not applied towards your tuition and are non-refundable.

Decisions Process

The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:

• Academic achievement
• English language proficiency
• Content of personal statement
• Content of confidential reports
• Strong work ethic
• Outstanding interpersonal strengths

Decisions will be made on a rolling basis.

Immigration Regulations

All preceptors who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or on a visa status authorized for enrollment in full-time studies must enter the United States on an F-1 visa. The 1-20AB necessary for application for an F-1 visa is processed by the School’s International Advisor.  This is a non-immigrant visa which presumes you are in the United States for the purpose of studying for a limited time. The I-20AB request form will be sent to you after acceptance to the program.

Health Insurance & Clearance

All foreign students attending UCLA are required to be insured under an adequate medical insurance plan during all periods of registration. Medical insurance is not provided by UCLA for preceptorship students, and preceptors cannot be seen at the on-campus student health facility. The School of Dentistry requires that you obtain a health clearance prior to enrollment in the program for individual and community health reasons. The health clearance must include a complete physical examination and demonstration of immunity to certain communicable diseases. Annual monitoring for tuberculosis will also be necessary.

Contact Information