Summer Research Fellowship Program
The School of Dentistry Summer Research Fellowship Program has been in existence for more than 30 years in the School of Dentistry. The primary goal of this program is to provide dental students with a structured, supervised, and fully evaluated introductory research experience to supplement their regular course of studies. Secondary goals of the program are to identify students who have a high interest and potential for pursuing careers in academic dentistry, and to facilitate and promote the transition of these students into advanced research training programs.
Each year, outstanding incoming dental students with interest and experience in research are offered research fellowships and invited to participate in the Summer Research Fellowship Program. Additional fellowships are available for current dental students who are finishing the first or second years of their program.
During a ten-week summer period, the selected students collect and analyze data from a structured research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. The students also attend a weekly Research Training Seminar where they receive formal instruction on experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, formal presentation of research data, and the responsible conduct of research. Students are then required to prepare a written research report and develop a poster presentation of their research for interested faculty and students. Posters are displayed at an annual "Research Day" in the School of Dentistry. In addition, some students are selected to represent the School at various local, regional, and national research conferences.
A stipend is provided to all research fellows. In 2006, the stipend was $3,995.00 for the ten-week program.
Exchange Student Program
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry has a number of student exchange agreements with renowned international schools. Currently, we have active exchanges with the University of Århus, Denmark; the University of Bergen, in Norway; University of Heidelberg, University of Greifswald in Germany; and the University of Nijmegen in The Netherlands. Our students and students from each of these schools "exchange" places for approximately three months. Our students and the international students have the opportunity to be exposed to the culture of another country, study dentistry and treat patients in another educational system, gain another perspective on the dental profession, health care and travel.
Exchanges are available to dental students in the fourth year of dental school, after a student has completed a significant portion of his/her course work and gained substantial clinical experience. The International Student/Faculty Affairs Committee reviews the exchange applications, selects students, and helps to make the necessary arrangements.
The host schools assist in finding housing and arrange for a clinical training program for the students. Students from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry who have participated in these exchanges have been most enthusiastic about their experiences, so don't hesitate to ask their perceptions of student exchanges.
The costs of these programs are significant, but not prohibitive. Tuition will continue to be charged by the School of Dentistry and the students will be responsible for paying room and board while abroad. Travel grants may be available to qualified students.
Dental students apply for an exchange opportunity in their third year. Exchange students should have good academic records and their progress in the clinics should be considered satisfactory. It is advisable that a student has an interest in the host country (knowledge of the language is helpful though not required). Perhaps most importantly, they should be good representatives of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Keep these opportunities in mind as you consider dentistry as a career and the University of Minnesota; this will be a rewarding experience as part of your dental education.
Reentry Program for Dentists
Some dentists take time out from their professional career. Before returning to dental practice, they may want assistance upgrading their knowledge and clinical or technological skills.
Dentists may enroll in more than 100 continuing dental education programs offered through the school each year. To find out which courses are available or to register, call Continuing Dental Education (612/625-1418).
Dentists may enroll as adult special students in selected general dental practice courses. Special general dentistry clinical mentorships can also be arranged as needed. For more information about this program, call the Office of Admissions (612/625-7477).