OMS Externship Program

The University of Washington (UW) Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) offers a one week externship/observation opportunity for dental students interested in applying to OMS post- doctoral specialty training programs. This experience is open to UW SOD, 3^rd and 4^th year students and, 3^rd and 4^th year dental students visiting from other U.S. or Canadian Accredited Dental Schools. Applicants must have completed (at minimum) the first two years of dental school at time of application to be eligible. Due to institutional limitations, we cannot accept applicants from non-U.S or non- Canadian accredited Dental Schools, Dentists from private practice, or international dental students.

The UW OMS Externship is directed by Dr. Jas Dillon, OMS Residency Program Director and Chief of Service at Harborview Medical Center (HMC) OMS.  Externship experiences occur primarily with the HMC OMS Service, which is  a level-1 regional trauma center, and The UW SOD’s OMS clinic, the Northwest Center for Oral & Facial Surgery (NWCOFS).  During the one-week visit, externs will experience the OMS outpatient clinic, participate in inpatient ward management with the OMS teams, observe cases in the OR, and participate in OMS call through the HMC Emergency Department (ED) and participate in all scheduled didactic sessions alongside the current OMS residents.

University of Washington 3^rd and 4^th year dental students who apply for the one-week externship at HMC are permitted supervised hands-on experiences as externs. Visiting dental student externs may participate as observers only; hands-on patient care is not permitted for visiting externs.  The UW OMS Externship is not a UW course offering therefore there is no related tuition, application processing fees.  All expenses (travel, lodging, meals, etc.) related to participation in the UW OMS Externship the sole responsibility of the visiting extern/observer.

Application Process

All potential Externs (UW and non-UW dental students) must contact the OMS Externship Coordinator via email to first confirm availability of dates before submitting your application.  All completed application materials must be submitted ten weeks prior to the date you intend to rotate as an extern.

Interested applicants (UW and non-UW dental students) must submit the following:

• A current curriculum vitae & Personal statement
• A letter from your Dean of Students / Academic Affairs verifying that your class standing and verification that participation in the UW externship is an approved as part of your curriculum
• Two letters recommendation
• UW OMS Externship Application Form
• Photo (digital) head shot
• Optional: NBME CBSE Exam Score Report  (If available)

In addition to the above materials, visiting Dental Student Extern applicants must also submit proof of medical insurance coverage during applicable visit time.  Visiting Dental Students may be asked to complete additional materials once their initial application has been accepted.

Once the application has been reviewed and accepted by the Director, extern candidates will be sent the Harborview Medical Center Application and Agreement for Observational Activities, which includes documented history of your health history and immunization status. This must be completed and returned to the OMS Extern Coordinator at least 4 weeks prior to your planned visit.