For Dentists
The Need is There. You Can Help.
The need for more rural dentists is increasing
quickly in Oklahoma. The challenges of insuring accessible care and having the manpower to ensure quality care have been growing issues. A possible solution evolved from the ODA’s Task Force on Rural Manpower - the ODA Rural Externship Program.
The ODA Rural Externship program sets the groundwork for the future of dentistry in rural Oklahoma. The program connects first-year (completed) dental students with dentists practicing in rural Oklahoma communities.
This is a great way to create an environment for mentorship. The ODA needs YOU to be the mentor. Please consider this wonderful opportunity for both you and a dental student!
This is another way to create a succession plan; an opportunity to bring new possibilities to areas that can’t afford to see a dentist retire from practice. Participating dentists are asked
to help create this opportunity by providing the student with experience in the dental office, room and board, community involvement and compensation for the two-week externship.
Externship Schedule
Why should I do this?
This is a great opportunity to, not only mentor a dental student, but also to look at the future of your practice and the vital role you hold in your community. What would happen to dentistry in your community if you were not there? Who will serve your friends, family and community? What happens when you retire?
Plan for the dental health of your community and make sure they will be taken care of in the future. Host a dental student this year and foster that relationship as they progress to graduation; and on to practicing themselves. Maybe as your partner or associate...?
How will the student participate during the externship?
The student will work in your office as a dental assistant and be mentored in your clinical work, business practice and life in the community where you live. They want to learn from you!
The student wants real-life, out-of-the-classroom, daily, hands-on experiences; to see what it is like to run a practice, not just be a dentist. They want to see the essential role you play right now and see how they might fit in after graduation.
What classification of student will I be assigned?
Each of the participating students has completed their first year of dental school.
How do I sign up?
Download an application and return it to the ODA. The ODA staff will pair you with one of the excited Rural Externship Program students for this summer!
P: 405.848.8873/800.876.8890 - E: information@okda.org - F: 405848-8875
317 NE 13th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
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For Students
Busy this Summer? Looking for an externship? Be a part of the Rural Externship Program.
During your two week externship, you will work as a dental assistant in the office of a rural dentist. Your partnered dentist will be a mentor in your clinical work and give you a first hand look at their business practice and life in the rural community where they live.
You will get real-life, out-of-the-classroom, daily, hands-on experiences as well as have the opportunity to see what it is like to run a practice, not just be a dentist. You will also see the essential role your partnered dentist plays in their community.
How do I sign up?
Complete an application and return it to 317 NE 13th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 to be matched with a dentist.
P: 405.848.8873/800.876.8890 - E: information@okda.org
