Observership in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers an Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists (observership) program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS). This OMS Program is planned to provide a comprehensive and well-directed observer curriculum and experience for trained dentists/undergraduate students interested in pursuing dentistry/OMS.

This program will provide the observer the opportunity to gain experience in both clinical and didactic within the department of OMS.

During this program, the observer will rotate within the department of OMS and observe a wide range of outpatient and inpatient procedures at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the University of Maryland Medical Center.

This will include the following:

  • Pre-doctoral OMS clinic
  • Urgent care clinic
  • Acute care clinic
  • Operating room
  • Attend all OMS departmental and inter-departmental conferences and seminars related to OMS services

Schedule

This program was developed to be either a two-week or one-month experience.

Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.

  • Holidays and vacations coincide with the post‐graduate schedule.
  • The school may also close for severe weather events.

*Note:

The Advanced OMS Program (observership) certificate awarded for this program is a continuing education program certificate. This is NOT the same certificate as the CODA-accredited OMS residency program. If you are interested in the CODA-accredited Advanced Residency Program in OMS or the graduate program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery please refer to https://www.dental.umaryland.edu/admissions/programs/postgraduate-dental/oral--maxillofacial-surgery/  

This program is not intended to prepare individuals to practice the specialty of OMS in the US. Completion of these Continuing Education hours is an educational goal, and in no way ensures acceptance to the Advanced Residency Program in OMS. It is expected that the individual will return to his/her country after gaining insight and improving his/her knowledge in the specialty of OMS. Upon completion and meeting the requirements of the Advanced OMS Program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Office of Continuing Dental Education.

The Advanced OMS Program certificate awarded for this program is a continuing education program certificate.  This is not the same certificate as the postgraduate program certificate. 

To Apply

Students may submit their application and documents via the Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists Application.

Deadline for submission of applications

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Admission Process

Upon submission of all required documentation, the applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. As required, an in-person or virtual interview may be scheduled with the applicant.  Admission criteria to the Advanced Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists OMS Observership program includes, but is not limited to, academic achievements, demonstrated interest in oral-maxillofacial surgery, performance in previously attended academic programs, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation.

Application Requirements

  • Completed application
  • Application fee ($160.00 USD)
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal statement/letter of intent
  • Notarized copy of dental school diploma/degree
  • Original transcripts/translated in English
  • Three letters of recommendation from the dental school where you are currently a student or have graduated.
    • Dean
    • Department Chairperson
    • Faculty member
  • Passport biographical page
  • Completed medical immunization records including COVID vaccination

All Visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Program Fee

Two-weeks:                       $1,750 USD

Four-weeks:                       $3,500 USD

Six-months:                     $30,000 USD

A non-refundable deposit of $875 USD for the two-week or four-week program and $5,000 for the six- month program is required to hold your place in the program and must be received within 10 business days of the acceptance notification. The formal acceptance packet will be sent upon receipt of the deposit. The balance of the full tuition is due one month before the start of the program.

 

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is required for all University of Maryland students. The applicant must prove that he or she has coverage equivalent to the University of Maryland’s minimum requirements.

Cancellation policy

To participate in this program, you must be pre-registered with the Office of Continuing Dental Education. No refunds of any tuition paid will be made after the program has started.

Contact Information

For application inquiries, please contact:

Keith Groves, DMin, MPC
Executive Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 6207
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: kgroves@umaryland.edu

Michelle Howell, BS
Associate Director of Continuing Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Suite 6207
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: mhowell@umaryland.edu

For program inquiries, please contact:

Ritika Agrawal, BDS, MDS, FHNSO.
Clinical Instructor
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
650 West Baltimore Street, Room 1219
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-706-7060
Email: ragrawal@umaryland.edu

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