The Preceptorship Program is specifically designed for dental graduates who would like to expand their knowledge in a dental specialty. Applicants must demonstrate a strong desire to learn state-of-the-art techniques, investigate current scientific literature and familiarize themselves with a broad range of clinical procedures to provide a foundation for pursuing advanced training in an accredited advanced education specialty program.
Acceptance into a WVU Preceptorship Program does not guarantee acceptance into the respective Master of Science Program. However, the knowledge and skill gained in the 12-month program may enhance a student’s application to any advanced education program in the given specialty area. Preceptors are expected to attend all the seminars together with other graduate students. Although emphasis is placed on the clinical aspects of the specialty, preceptors are strongly encouraged to participate in scholarly activities.
Goals and objectives for each of the specialty preceptorship programs are available upon request. The proficient and dedicated preceptor student may be able to assist all residents in a variety of procedures including screening, records, consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. Assessment and feedback will be provided to the preceptor routinely during the one- year program.
Eligibility Requirements
Admission to the Preceptor Residency Program is competitive. Prior to enrollment, the applicant must hold a Degree from a dental school accredited by the respective government.
In addition, the applicant must have passed both Part-I and Part-II National Board Dental Examinations or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.
The successful candidate must demonstrate outstanding communication abilities, both written and oral, in the English language.
The successful candidate must also be eligible for and obtain a West Virginia dental license or dental resident/intern permit prior to the first day of program orientation.
Criteria to evaluate candidates include:
- Letter of interest and career goals
- Dental school transcripts
- Recommendations from three dental faculty
- Personal interview which includes onsite composed essay
- Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken
- Congruence between the applicant’s skills and abilities
Application Requirements, Deadline and Fee
Application deadline is the last day of March of each year. This is subject to extension based on the application pool. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the WVU SoD website or contact the program director to confirm current deadlines.
An application fee to West Virginia University as a non-degree graduate student is required and must accompany the application.
The following information is required for a complete application:
- A current resume with photograph
- Letter of interest describing applicant’s strengths, accomplishments, and career goals
- Official dental school transcript
- Certificate of licensure or resident/intern permit to practice dentistry in the state of West Virginia
- Letter of financial guarantee from the third party sponsor for the proposed training at WVU, if applicable
- Three letters of reference from dental faculty who can address the applicant’s:
- Clinical skills in dentistry
- Communication skills (written and oral)
- Interpersonal skills
- Maturity
- Likelihood of success in the preceptor program
Personal Interview
Candidates who receive favorable review of the aforementioned application materials must participate in a personal interview before the Admissions Committee for the specialty area in which they are applying. At the Committee’s discretion, such interviews can be conducted via videoconferencing.
Criminal Background Check
Prior to commencing the preceptorship, students must obtain criminal background clearance. The background check is performed by a screening agency designated by the WVU SoD as described in more detail on the WVU SoD website. The criminal background investigation is at the applicant’s personal expense.
Conditions Following Offer of Admission
Individuals admitted to the 12-month preceptorship must comply with all regulations and standards established by the WVU SoD, WVU, the WVU Board of Governors and the WV Board of Dentistry. All preceptors must be eligible for and obtain a West Virginia dental license or dental resident/intern permit prior to the first day of program orientation.
All enrollees must comply with the immunization and diagnostic procedures required by the WVU Board of Governors, West Virginia University, the WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center and/or the School of Dentistry. Proof of immunizations must be submitted prior to commencement of the program.
Facilities and Resources
Participants in the Preceptorship Programs will have extensive training in state-of-the-art facilities. Participants will be required to contribute to the undergraduate dental education experience by mentoring predoctoral students with their colleagues enrolled in the specialty advanced education programs.
The preceptor also has access to the Health Science Center's Library with its excellent collection of books, scientific publications, audiovisual materials and computer resources. In addition, the preceptor will have to access to the on-line specialty journals.