Pre-Doc Observership for Internationally-Trained Dentists
A great opportunity to enhance your CV by experiencing a US dental school! One-week program
November 2, 2026 - November 6, 2026
Course Overview
One week-long program designed for Internationally trained Dentists to provide a culminating experience to further their dental education in United States.
This program is designed to meet the needs of prospective students who are interested in understanding the basic framework for the International Dentist Education Program.
Participant will receive a certificate noting their 36 hours of participation.
Please note that it is recommended that you have a minimum TOEFL score of 92.
Observership Director & Presenters
Course Director: Poornima Mensinkai, BDS, MS, PhD - Pre-Doc Faculty & IDEP Faculty Course Presenters: Diane Sullivan, BDS, DDS - Pre-Doc Chair
Sreenivasan Narayanan, BDS, DDS, MDS - Pre-Doc OMS Chair
Nozrin Laskar, DDS, MS - AEGD Chair
Asma A. Khan, BDS, PhD, FICD – Director of Endodontics
Shaza Abass, BDS, MS, PhD – Predoctoral Program Director, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Claudia I. Contreras, DDS – Assistant Clinical Professor & Pre-Doctoral Director, Pediatric Dentistry
Rekha Rajesh, BDS, MPH – Assistant Professor/Clinical Director, Screening Clinic, Department of Pre-Doctoral Dental Education
Course Curriculum
Chair-side observation in pre-doc clinics
Informal meeting with residents and IDEP students
Literature review seminar (if available or occurring at that time)
Clinical conference
Faculty development seminars with CE credit (if available or occurring at that time)
Rotation through Advanced Education in General Dentistry clinic
Schedule
This program takes place, Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
Every session will be designed to maximize the clinical exposure per that week
Attendees will spend most of their time in the pre-doc clinics observing dental students
Attendees will be allowed to attend seminars and faculty development seminars if they are offered during that session
There are opportunities to purchase breakfast, lunch, and drinks on campus. There will be a meal break for lunch, we will not be providing meals. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or enjoy our on-campus cafeteria options
Attire
This observership occurs 100% in the clinic. Therefore, wearing scrubs is required and will not be provided
Closed toed clinic shoes are required - sneakers or clinic shoes acceptable. No Crocs, no sandals, no high-heels
Identification badges are to be worn so that the name on the badge is visible at all times
Presenter(s)
Disclosures & Policies
No Recording and Transcription Policy To protect the privacy, security, and integrity of our programs, meetings, and events, recording of any kind is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by the department director. This includes, but is not limited to: - Video recordings (camera, phone, webcam, or other devices) - Audio recordings (phone, microphone, digital recorders, etc.) - Screen captures or screen recordings - AI-based or automated transcription tools (e.g., apps or software that convert speech to text)
Guidelines: All participants are expected to respect this policy at all times. If recording is necessary as an accommodation, or for education or administrative purposes, prior approval must be obtained in writing. Unauthorized recording or transcription may result in removal from the session and/or further administrative action. Exceptions may only be granted by the department director in advance. Taking detailed notes is encouraged, and participants are welcome to take pictures of the presentation slides for personal use.
Purpose: This policy ensures a safe and respectful environment, protects sensitive and proprietary information, and upholds the confidentiality of all participants.
Course Refund Policy Please review the Course Refund Policy by clicking here. This policy includes information regarding requirements that attendees must comply with to remain eligible to receive CE, cancelling your registration, course transfers, etc.
Financial Disclosure Statement It is the policy of the UT Health San Antonio Office of Continuing Dental Education to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its sponsored educational activities. All participating speakers, course directors, and planning committee members are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Relationships of spouse/partner with proprietary entities producing health care goods or services should be disclosed if they are of a nature that may influence the objectivity of the individual in a position to control the content of the CDE activity. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. Specific disclosure information for each speaker, course director, and planning committee member will be shared with the audience prior to the speaker’s presentation.
This educational activity is free from commercial bias. The planning committee, presenters, and authors have disclosed all financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this content, and any potential conflicts have been identified and mitigated according to ADA CERP standards. No commercial entities have influenced the content, selection, or presentation of materials, and no product endorsements or promotional activities are included in this presentation. Any mention of products, services, or companies is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement.
There is nothing to disclose for this course.
Location
UT Dentistry COHCR 8210 Floyd Curl Dr San Antonio, TX 78229
Tuition
Individual - Early Bird Special is $100 Discount!: $1150
Individual: $1250
Specialty/AGD Code
130 - Electives
610 - Fixed Prosthodontics
250 - Operative (Restorative) Dentistry
770 - Self-Improvement
Disclaimer Notice
This is only an observership. It does not guarantee acceptance into any dental program.
Business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time
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The UT Health San Antonio, School of Dentistry is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. UTHSCSA designates the number of credit hours for each course individually. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp.
