Clinical Preceptorship for International Dentists: Complete Guide (2026)

Dr Dev Prajapati
6 days ago
15 min read

Every year, thousands of international dentists apply through CAAPID with similar credentials: dental degree, INBDE score, TOEFL score, clinical experience in their home country.

Most get lost in the pile.

A small percentage stand out. They get interview invitations at multiple schools. They convert interviews to acceptances. They match into programs while others reapply cycle after cycle.

What's the difference?

One of the biggest differentiators is U.S. clinical experience — specifically, hands-on clinical preceptorship at a U.S. dental school.

Not shadowing. Not observation. Not assisting.

Hands-on experience where you actually perform procedures and are evaluated by U.S. dental school faculty.

This is what admissions committees want to see. Proof that you can do the work. Evidence that you understand U.S. standards. A letter from faculty who can vouch for your abilities.

This guide covers everything you need to know about clinical preceptorships — what they are, why they matter, what to look for, and how to choose the right program.

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Clinical Preceptorship for International Dentists: A clinical preceptorship is a structured training program at a U.S. dental school where international dentists gain hands-on clinical experience under faculty supervision. Unlike shadowing (passive observation), preceptorships involve active learning: performing procedures on typodonts, learning U.S. dental standards, and receiving faculty evaluation. The best programs offer small class sizes, faculty letter of recommendation opportunities, and comprehensive application support. Clinical preceptorship strengthens CAAPID applications by demonstrating U.S. clinical competency.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS]

What is a Clinical Preceptorship?
Clinical Preceptorship vs. Shadowing: What's the Difference?
Why Clinical Preceptorship Matters for CAAPID Applications
What Admissions Committees Want to See
Types of Clinical Experience Programs for International Dentists
What to Look for in a Clinical Preceptorship Program
Red Flags: Programs to Avoid
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in a Program
What You'll Learn in a Good Clinical Preceptorship
The Importance of Faculty Letters of Recommendation
East Coast vs. West Coast Programs
How Clinical Preceptorship Improves Your Interview
When to Complete Your Clinical Preceptorship
How to Maximize Your Clinical Preceptorship Experience
Clinical Preceptorship and Bench Test Preparation
Networking Opportunities During Preceptorship
Clinical Preceptorship Costs and Investment
Comparing Clinical Preceptorship Programs
How P2A's Clinical Preceptorship Prepares You for Success
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Preceptorship

1. What is a Clinical Preceptorship?

A clinical preceptorship is a structured training program where international dentists gain hands-on clinical experience at a U.S. dental school under faculty supervision.

Clinical preceptorship basics:

Element	Description
What it is	Intensive hands-on training program
Where	U.S. dental school facilities
Duration	Typically 1-4 weeks
Focus	Learning U.S. clinical standards and techniques
Supervision	Direct faculty oversight
Purpose	Prepare for U.S. dental education and CAAPID

What you do in a clinical preceptorship:

Activity	Description
Hands-on bench training	Perform procedures on typodonts
Simulation lab work	Practice in dental school SIM labs
Clinical observation	Observe U.S. dental care delivery
Didactic learning	Classroom instruction on U.S. standards
Faculty interaction	One-on-one mentorship
Evaluation	Receive feedback on your performance

What a preceptorship is NOT:

Not This	Because
Shadowing	You actively participate, not just watch
Assisting	You perform procedures, not assist others
Online course	Requires in-person, hands-on experience
Observation-only	Active learning is essential

2. Clinical Preceptorship vs. Shadowing: What's the Difference?

The difference between preceptorship and shadowing is the difference between active learning and passive observation — and admissions committees know the difference.

Comparison:

Element	Shadowing	Clinical Preceptorship
Your role	Observer	Active participant
What you do	Watch others work	Perform procedures yourself
Learning	Passive	Active, hands-on
Feedback	Minimal or none	Detailed faculty evaluation
Skill development	None	Direct skill improvement
Faculty relationship	Superficial	Mentorship opportunity
Letter potential	Generic attendance letter	Meaningful faculty letter
Admissions value	Low	High

What shadowing demonstrates:

Shows	Doesn't Show
You observed dentistry	You can perform dentistry
You were present	You have clinical skills
You showed up	You meet U.S. standards

What clinical preceptorship demonstrates:

Shows	Why It Matters
You can perform to U.S. standards	Proves clinical competency
You understand U.S. protocols	Demonstrates preparation
Faculty evaluated your skills	Third-party validation
You invested in preparation	Shows commitment

The reality:

Five years ago, shadowing was enough. It differentiated international dentists who had U.S. experience from those who didn't.

Today, everyone has shadowing. It's the minimum expectation, not a differentiator.

Hands-on clinical preceptorship is what differentiates applicants now.

3. Why Clinical Preceptorship Matters for CAAPID Applications

Clinical preceptorship addresses admissions committees' biggest concerns about international dentists.

Admissions committee concerns:

Concern	Question They're Asking
Clinical skills	Can this person actually perform?
U.S. standards	Do they know American protocols?
Adaptability	Can they adjust to our system?
Commitment	Are they serious about U.S. practice?
Readiness	Are they prepared for our program?

How preceptorship addresses each concern:

Concern	How Preceptorship Answers It
Clinical skills	Faculty observed and evaluated performance
U.S. standards	Trained specifically in American techniques
Adaptability	Successfully completed U.S. training
Commitment	Invested time and money in preparation
Readiness	Has foundation for advanced training

Application impact:

Without Preceptorship	With Preceptorship
Claims clinical experience	Proves clinical competency
Letters from private dentists	Letter from dental school faculty
"I understand U.S. standards"	"I trained in U.S. standards"
Hopes interview goes well	Has concrete experiences to discuss
Similar to other applicants	Differentiated from the crowd

4. What Admissions Committees Want to See

Admissions committees have specific criteria for evaluating U.S. clinical experience.

What they value most:

Factor	Why It Matters
Hands-on experience	Proves you can do, not just watch
U.S. dental school setting	Academic credibility
Faculty supervision	Qualified evaluation
Meaningful duration	Not just a weekend
Structured program	Not informal arrangement
Faculty letter	Credible third-party endorsement

Experience hierarchy (strongest to weakest):

Rank	Experience Type	Admissions Value
1	Hands-on preceptorship at U.S. dental school with faculty LoR	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2	Structured observership at U.S. dental school	⭐⭐⭐⭐
3	Extended shadowing at academic institution	⭐⭐⭐
4	Shadowing at private practice	⭐⭐
5	Brief shadowing anywhere	⭐

What the faculty letter says that others can't:

Generic Private Practice Letter	Faculty Preceptorship Letter
"Observed at our clinic"	"Demonstrated clinical competency"
"Professional demeanor"	"Performed procedures to U.S. standards"
"Would recommend"	"Among the top trainees I've supervised"
Limited credibility	Academic credibility

5. Types of Clinical Experience Programs for International Dentists

Several types of clinical experience programs exist for international dentists, with varying quality and value.

Program types:

Type	Description	Duration	Value
Clinical preceptorship	Hands-on training at dental school	1-4 weeks	High
Observership	Structured observation program	2-8 weeks	Medium
Externship	Clinical rotation (rare for pre-applicants)	Varies	High
Shadowing program	Organized shadowing	1-4 weeks	Low-Medium
Informal shadowing	Arranged individually	Varies	Low

What to look for in each type:

Program Element	Good Sign	Red Flag
Setting	U.S. dental school	Private practice only
Activity	Hands-on procedures	Observation only
Supervision	Faculty mentorship	No academic oversight
Class size	Small (2-5 students)	Large groups
Letter opportunity	Faculty LoR included	Generic certificate only
Support	Application guidance	Program and goodbye

6. What to Look for in a Clinical Preceptorship Program

Not all clinical preceptorships are equal. Evaluate programs carefully before enrolling.

Essential elements:

Element	Why It Matters
U.S. dental school setting	Academic credibility, proper facilities
Hands-on training	Active learning, not just watching
Faculty-led instruction	Qualified educators, credible evaluation
Small class size	Individual attention, meaningful feedback
Faculty LoR opportunity	Strongest letter source for applications
Comprehensive curriculum	Cover essential procedures and standards

Valuable additional elements:

Element	Benefit
Application support	Help with CAAPID components
Interview preparation	Ready for next step
Networking opportunities	Professional connections
Bench test preparation	Ready for schools requiring it
All materials provided	No hidden costs

Questions to evaluate any program:

Question	What Good Answer Looks Like
Is it hands-on or observation?	"You'll perform procedures yourself"
Who leads the training?	"Current dental school faculty"
How many students per batch?	"Small groups of 2-5"
Is faculty LoR available?	"Yes, based on your performance"
What's included?	"Complete program, no hidden fees"

7. Red Flags: Programs to Avoid

Some programs take your money without providing meaningful preparation. Know the warning signs.

Red flags:

Red Flag	Why It's a Problem
Observation only	Doesn't differentiate you from shadowing
Large group sizes (10+)	No individual attention or feedback
No faculty involvement	Instructor not academically credible
Instructors not current faculty	May teach outdated information
No LoR opportunity	Miss most valuable benefit
Must buy/bring instruments	Hidden costs, possible profit motive
No application support	Program ends, you're on your own
No networking component	Miss valuable connections
Unclear curriculum	Don't know what you'll learn
Pressure sales tactics	Quality programs don't need hard sells

Questions that reveal red flags:

Ask	Red Flag Answer
"What will I actually do?"	Vague, no hands-on mentioned
"Who teaches the program?"	Not current dental school faculty
"Class size?"	"We can accommodate large groups"
"Do I get a faculty letter?"	"We provide a certificate"
"What do I need to bring?"	"You'll need to purchase instruments"
"Is there application support?"	"That's not included"

Student feedback warning signs:

Warning Sign	What It Suggests
"I mostly watched"	Not actually hands-on
"There were 15 of us"	No individual attention
"The instructor wasn't a professor"	Not academically credible
"I had to buy instruments there"	Profit-driven program
"It was basically just a certificate"	No real value added

8. Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in a Program

Ask these questions before committing to any clinical preceptorship program.

About the program structure:

Question	Why It Matters
What specific procedures will I practice?	Know what you're getting
How many hours of hands-on training?	Ensure adequate practice time
What's the daily schedule?	Understand time commitment
What's the total program duration?	Long enough to be meaningful
Is it at an actual dental school?	Verify academic setting

About instruction:

Question	Why It Matters
Who leads the training?	Verify faculty credentials
Is the instructor current dental school faculty?	Academic credibility
What are their credentials/titles?	Quality of instruction
How many students per instructor?	Individual attention
Will I receive personal feedback?	Value of evaluation

About outcomes:

Question	Why It Matters
Can I get a faculty letter of recommendation?	Most valuable outcome
What do past participants say?	Real results
What's your interview/acceptance rate?	Track record
Is there application support?	Complete preparation
Is there interview preparation?	Ready for next step

About logistics:

Question	Why It Matters
What's included in the price?	No hidden costs
Do I need to bring instruments?	Additional expenses
When are programs offered?	Fits your timeline
How far in advance do I book?	Availability
What's the cancellation policy?	Flexibility

9. What You'll Learn in a Good Clinical Preceptorship

A quality clinical preceptorship teaches U.S. dental standards, techniques, and professional expectations.

Clinical skills:

Skill Area	What You'll Learn
Cavity preparations	Class I-V to U.S. standards
Crown preparations	Proper reduction, taper, margins
Operative technique	U.S. approach to common procedures
Instrumentation	American instrument usage
Materials	Common U.S. dental materials

Standards and protocols:

Area	What You'll Learn
Preparation criteria	Specific U.S. dimensions, angles
Evaluation criteria	What faculty evaluators look for
Terminology	U.S. dental terminology
Documentation	American charting and records
Protocols	Standard operating procedures

Professional development:

Area	What You'll Learn
U.S. dental education	How American dental schools work
Application process	CAAPID insights
Interview expectations	What schools look for
Professional culture	U.S. dental workplace norms
Networking	Building professional relationships

10. The Importance of Faculty Letters of Recommendation

A faculty letter from your preceptorship may be the strongest letter in your entire CAAPID application.

Why faculty letters matter:

Factor	Impact
Academic credibility	Evaluator is recognized dental educator
U.S. perspective	Writer knows U.S. standards
Direct observation	Based on watching you work
Comparison ability	Can compare you to other trainees
Weight with admissions	More trusted than other sources

What faculty can write that others can't:

Faculty Letter Can Say	Private Dentist Letter Says
"Demonstrated competency in U.S. preparation techniques"	"Observed various procedures"
"Among the top performers in our program"	"Was professional"
"Would succeed in advanced dental training"	"Would recommend"
"Evaluated clinical skills directly"	"Shadowed at our practice"

The credibility difference:

Letter Source	Admissions Trust Level
U.S. dental school faculty	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your dental school professor	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clinical supervisor	⭐⭐⭐
Private practice dentist (shadowing)	⭐⭐

How to earn a strong faculty letter:

Do	Result
Engage fully in training	Faculty notices effort
Ask thoughtful questions	Shows intellectual engagement
Accept feedback graciously	Demonstrates maturity
Perform to the best of your ability	Gives them something to write about
Be professional throughout	No concerns to mention

11. East Coast vs. West Coast Programs

Location matters for convenience, networking, and demonstrating commitment to specific regions.

Geographic considerations:

Factor	East Coast	West Coast
Major dental schools	Columbia, NYU, Penn, Rutgers, etc.	UCLA, USC, UCSF, UOP, etc.
Travel from abroad	Shorter from Europe, Middle East, Africa	Shorter from Asia, Pacific
Living costs	High (NYC area) to moderate	High (California)
Networking	East coast school connections	West coast school connections

Why program location can matter:

Factor	Impact
Regional networking	Connect with faculty at nearby schools
Demonstrated interest	Shows commitment to region
Interview proximity	May reduce travel for interviews
Faculty connections	Faculty know each other regionally

P2A advantage — East Coast:

Most West Coast programs (Duggan, Stevenson) are located in California. P2A's Clinical Preceptorship is the primary East Coast option at a NY dental school.

If You're Targeting	Consider
East Coast schools (NYU, Columbia, Rutgers, Penn, etc.)	East Coast preceptorship
West Coast schools (UCLA, USC, UCSF, etc.)	West Coast preceptorship
Both coasts	Either, but networking differs

12. How Clinical Preceptorship Improves Your Interview

Clinical preceptorship gives you concrete experiences to discuss during interviews — not just claims.

Interview advantages:

Without Preceptorship	With Preceptorship
"I have clinical experience"	"In my preceptorship at [dental school], I learned..."
"I understand U.S. standards"	"When Dr. [Name] evaluated my preparations, she noted..."
"I'm prepared for this program"	"My training at [school] prepared me specifically for..."
Generic answers	Specific, memorable examples

Questions where preceptorship helps:

Question	How Preceptorship Helps
"Tell me about your U.S. experience"	Specific training to discuss
"How have you prepared?"	Concrete preparation example
"What do you know about U.S. dentistry?"	First-hand knowledge
"Why are you ready for our program?"	Evidence of readiness
"How do you compare to U.S. students?"	Faculty evaluation to reference

Story material:

Your preceptorship provides ready-made stories for behavioral questions:

Learning moments
Feedback received
Challenges overcome
Growth demonstrated
Faculty interactions

13. When to Complete Your Clinical Preceptorship

Complete your clinical preceptorship before submitting your CAAPID application to maximize its impact.

Ideal timeline:

Timeline	Status
3-6 months before submitting CAAPID	Ideal — time to get letter, integrate experience
1-3 months before submitting	Good — experience fresh, letter coming
Same month as submission	Acceptable — mention in application, letter may come later
After submission	Can update schools, but less impactful

Why timing matters:

If You Complete Early	Benefits
Faculty letter included in application	Strongest possible letter
Experience informs personal statement	Richer narrative
Interview preparation benefit	Concrete experiences to discuss
Time to build on foundation	Additional preparation possible

Scheduling considerations:

Factor	Consider
Program availability	Book early, slots fill up
Your work schedule	May need time off
Application timeline	Complete before CAAPID opens
Interview preparation	Leave time for interview prep after
Visa requirements	Ensure proper visa status

14. How to Maximize Your Clinical Preceptorship Experience

Get the most value from your preceptorship with intentional engagement.

Before the program:

Action	Purpose
Review U.S. dental standards	Come prepared
List questions you have	Make the most of faculty access
Research the faculty	Know who you're learning from
Prepare your goals	Know what you want to achieve

During the program:

Action	Purpose
Engage fully	Faculty notice effort
Ask questions	Deepen learning
Accept feedback graciously	Show maturity
Take notes	Remember what you learned
Network actively	Build relationships
Be professional	Leave positive impression

After the program:

Action	Purpose
Request faculty letter	Don't assume it's automatic
Send thank you notes	Professional courtesy
Stay in touch	Maintain relationships
Continue practicing	Build on foundation
Integrate into application	Use experience strategically

15. Clinical Preceptorship and Bench Test Preparation

The best clinical preceptorships include bench test preparation as part of comprehensive training.

Why they go together:

Connection	Benefit
Same skills	Cavity preps, crown preps
Same standards	U.S. preparation criteria
Same evaluation	Faculty feedback
Same goals	Ready for dental school

What to look for:

Feature	Value
Bench test prep included	Complete preparation
All preparation types covered	Class I-V, crowns
Faculty evaluation	Know where you stand
Mock bench tests	Simulate actual test conditions

Separate vs. integrated:

Approach	Pros	Cons
Integrated (preceptorship includes bench prep)	Efficient, comprehensive	Must choose right program
Separate programs	More flexibility	More expensive, time-consuming

16. Networking Opportunities During Preceptorship

Clinical preceptorship provides valuable networking opportunities that shadowing cannot offer.

Networking possibilities:

Connection	Value
Program faculty	Future references, guidance
Other faculty at school	Broader network
Current dental students	Insights, connections
Fellow preceptorship participants	Peer support network
Program administrators	Application insights

How to network effectively:

Do	Don't
Be genuinely interested	Just collect business cards
Ask thoughtful questions	Monopolize people's time
Follow up after program	Disappear and never contact
Offer value where possible	Only ask for things
Be professional always	Be too casual too fast

Long-term network value:

Contact	How They Might Help
Faculty	Additional letters, references, guidance
Students	Insider information, introductions
Administrators	Application insights
Peers	Mutual support, shared resources

17. Clinical Preceptorship Costs and Investment

Clinical preceptorship is an investment in your future. Evaluate cost against value provided.

Cost considerations:

Cost Element	Range
Program fee	Varies by program
Travel	Depends on location
Accommodation	1-4 weeks housing
Meals	Daily expenses
Instruments (some programs)	$500-2,000 if required
Lost work income	Time away from practice

Hidden costs to ask about:

Ask About	Why
"Are instruments included?"	Major additional expense if not
"What's not included in the fee?"	Avoid surprises
"Are there additional materials costs?"	Know total investment

Value assessment:

Cost	Value Received
Program fee	Training, faculty access, facilities
Your time	Skills, knowledge, experience
Total investment	Faculty letter, preparation, differentiation

ROI perspective:

Investment	Potential Return
Preceptorship cost	Admission to program worth $100K-300K+ in future earnings
Time invested	Skills that last entire career
Effort invested	Competitive advantage in applications

18. Comparing Clinical Preceptorship Programs

Compare programs carefully to find the best fit for your needs.

Comparison framework:

Factor	Questions to Answer
Setting	U.S. dental school? Which one?
Faculty	Current professors? Credentials?
Hands-on	How much actual practice time?
Class size	How many students per batch?
LoR	Faculty letter opportunity?
Instruments	Provided or must bring/buy?
Application support	Included?
Interview prep	Included?
Networking	Opportunities provided?
Location	East coast? West coast?
Cost	Total with all fees?

P2A vs. Other Programs:

Feature	P2A Preceptorship	Duggan (West Coast)	Stevenson (West Coast)
Location	East Coast (NY)	West Coast (CA)	West Coast (CA)
Faculty	Current Associate Professor, Clinical Course Director with multiple awards	Not current professors	Not current professors
Class size	2 students per batch	Larger groups	Larger groups
Instruments	All provided — bring nothing	Must buy/bring instruments	Must buy/bring instruments
LoR opportunity	Yes, faculty letter	Not offered	Not offered
Application support	Comprehensive, included	Not included	Not included
Interview prep	Included	Not included	Not included
Networking	Built-in opportunities	Not structured	Not structured
Personalized mentorship	One-on-one attention	Limited individual attention	Limited individual attention

Based on student feedback comparing programs.

19. How P2A's Clinical Preceptorship Prepares You for Success

P2A's Clinical Preceptorship is the comprehensive program designed specifically for CAAPID success.

Program overview:

Element	Details
Duration	10 days, 70 hours
Location	U.S. dental school in New York
Class size	Only 2 students per batch
Faculty	Dr. Golda Erdfarb — Associate Professor, Clinical Course Director
Schedule	8am-4pm daily

What's included:

Component	Description
Didactic instruction	Classroom learning on U.S. standards
Hands-on SIM lab training	Practice procedures on typodonts
Bench test preparation	All preparations (Class I-V, crowns)
Clinical observation	See U.S. dental care delivery
Faculty mentorship	One-on-one guidance from Dr. Erdfarb
Faculty LoR opportunity	Meaningful letter based on your performance
Application support	Complete CAAPID guidance
Interview mentorship	Prepare for your interviews
Networking opportunities	Professional connections
All instruments provided	Bring nothing — we have everything

Why Dr. Golda Erdfarb:

Credential	Value
Current Associate Professor	Active in dental education (not retired)
Clinical Course Director	Oversees clinical training
Multiple teaching awards	Recognized excellence
Evaluates students regularly	Knows exactly what's expected
At major NY dental school	Academic credibility

What makes P2A different:

Challenge	P2A Solution
Programs with observation only	70 hours of hands-on training
Large class sizes	Only 2 students per batch
Instructors not current faculty	Award-winning current professor
No LoR opportunity	Faculty letter included
No application support	Complete CAAPID guidance
No interview prep	Interview mentorship included
Must buy instruments	All instruments provided
West coast only	East coast option

Our results:

90%+ interview rate for preceptorship students
Acceptances at UNC, Buffalo, Rutgers, Howard, and more
Students describe it as "night and day" compared to other programs

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20. Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Preceptorship

What is a clinical preceptorship for international dentists?

A clinical preceptorship is a structured training program at a U.S. dental school where international dentists gain hands-on clinical experience under faculty supervision, learning U.S. dental standards and techniques.

What's the difference between clinical preceptorship and shadowing?

Shadowing is passive observation — you watch. Clinical preceptorship is active learning — you perform procedures, receive feedback, and develop skills. Preceptorship is significantly more valuable for CAAPID applications.

Do I need clinical preceptorship for CAAPID?

While not strictly required, clinical preceptorship significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating U.S. clinical competency and providing opportunity for a faculty letter of recommendation.

How long is a clinical preceptorship?

Programs typically range from 1-4 weeks. P2A's program is 10 days (70 hours) — long enough to be meaningful, focused enough to be efficient.

What will I learn in a clinical preceptorship?

You'll learn U.S. preparation standards (Class I-V cavities, crown preparations), dental terminology, evaluation criteria, professional protocols, and receive personalized faculty feedback.

Can I get a letter of recommendation from clinical preceptorship?

In quality programs, yes. The faculty letter from preceptorship can be one of the strongest letters in your application. Not all programs offer this — ask before enrolling.

When should I complete my clinical preceptorship?

Ideally 3-6 months before submitting your CAAPID application, allowing time for the faculty letter and integration into your application materials.

How much does clinical preceptorship cost?

Costs vary by program. Consider total cost including instruments (some programs make you buy), travel, and accommodation. P2A provides all instruments — you bring nothing.

What's the difference between East Coast and West Coast programs?

Location affects networking opportunities and regional connections. Most programs are West Coast (California). P2A is the primary East Coast option (New York).

How do I choose a clinical preceptorship program?

Look for: U.S. dental school setting, current faculty instructors, small class sizes, hands-on training, faculty LoR opportunity, application support, and instruments provided.

What are red flags in preceptorship programs?

Red flags include: observation only, large class sizes, instructors who aren't current faculty, no LoR opportunity, must buy instruments, and no application support.

Is clinical preceptorship the same as bench test preparation?

They overlap but aren't identical. The best preceptorships include bench test preparation as part of comprehensive training.

How does clinical preceptorship help with interviews?

It gives you concrete experiences to discuss, demonstrates your preparation, and provides stories for behavioral questions.

Do I need to bring instruments to clinical preceptorship?

It depends on the program. Some require you to buy or bring instruments. P2A provides all instruments — bring nothing.

What makes P2A's clinical preceptorship different?

Only 2 students per batch, led by an award-winning current Associate Professor/Clinical Course Director, faculty LoR opportunity, complete application and interview support, all instruments provided, East Coast location.

Your Clinical Experience Matters

Admissions committees see thousands of applications from international dentists with similar credentials. INBDE scores, TOEFL scores, clinical experience claims — they all start to look the same.

What makes you stand out?

Proof that you can actually perform. Evidence that you understand U.S. standards. A faculty letter from someone who watched you work.

That's what clinical preceptorship provides.

Not all programs are equal. Choose one that offers:

True hands-on training (not observation)
Current dental school faculty (not retired instructors)
Small class sizes (not groups of 15)
Faculty letter opportunity (not just a certificate)
Complete support (not just clinical training)

P2A's Clinical Preceptorship gives you all of this — and more.

10 days. 70 hours. Only 2 students. Award-winning faculty. Complete application and interview support. Faculty letter opportunity.

The most comprehensive clinical preceptorship available for international dentists.