15 Summer Dental Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 14 min read
A summer dental internship can be a strong way for you to gain firsthand exposure to dental practices and professionals while still in college. These internships can let you observe patient care, support oral health research, or explore how dentists serve communities with limited access to care, giving you a clearer sense of which parts of dentistry, from clinical work to research to public health, actually interest you.
What are the benefits of a dental internship?
A dental internship can connect you with dentists, researchers, faculty mentors, and current dental students who can help you plan your next steps with more clarity. Depending on the internship you choose, you could work in a research lab, shadow clinical procedures, or take part in structured pre-dental coursework and DAT preparation. Whether you're aiming to strengthen your dental school application or simply figure out if the field is right for you, you can find an internship suited to your current stage and goals.
In this article, we have narrowed down 15 summer dental internships for undergraduates.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These internships span dental research, DAT preparation and pre-dental enrichment, clinical shadowing, and biomedical informatics, so undergraduates can find a relevant option regardless of whether they want lab experience or admissions support.
Stipends vary widely, from $1,000 to $1,500 (SHPEP programs, SODSURP) to $5,000 to $5,500 (NYU REOHS, D-REX, BIBS), with several programs, such as MnCORE and BIBS, also covering travel and housing.
Many programs specifically prioritize students from disadvantaged, underrepresented, or underserved backgrounds, including UNC S.E.P., Texas A&M SPEP, Detroit Mercy SEP, and both SHPEP programs.
Application deadlines range from January (Texas A&M SPEP) to March (SODSURP, VCU SAEP final deadline), with a few programs, such as D-REX and Oregon Health & Science University, accepting rolling applications or opening later in the fall.
Location: New York University College of Dentistry campus, New York, NY
Stipend: Up to $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June 1 – July 30
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students or high school seniors who are entering their freshman year of college with a minimum GPA of 2.5
NYU Dentistry’s REOHS program offers students an immersive introduction to oral health research in a dental school research environment. You will work primarily in an assigned lab under the supervision of a faculty mentor, while also participating in educational and professional development activities. The curriculum will cover research training, responsible conduct of research, translational science, and an introduction to clinical dentistry. You may also receive mentorship from faculty and peers, including current dental students, which can help you better understand the research and dental school pathway. The poster presentation component will give you a concrete final outcome and the opportunity to practice communicating scientific work clearly.
Location: University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $5,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 (Section I)/June 15 (Section II) – July 31
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (freshman, sophomore, or junior at the time of the application) with plans for STEM majors enrolled in colleges in Maryland with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and preferably strong science performance; GPA of 3.5 or greater preferred. Eligible high school students and teachers can also apply.
D-REX places students in a hands-on research environment focused on dental, oral, craniofacial, and biomedical science. You will work with a faculty mentor within a University of Maryland School of Dentistry lab, learning how research questions are developed, tested, and connected to broader oral health needs. The nine-week program offers exposure to how dental research supports clinical care, community health, and future innovation. You may engage with faculty from clinical or basic science departments, depending on your assigned project. The experience can help you build stronger research habits, learn how to discuss scientific findings, and explore whether oral health research belongs in your long-term academic plan.
Location: UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, Houston, TX
Stipend: Up to $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: College sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors, ages 18+, with a strong interest in dentistry; applicants must be U.S. citizens or international students enrolled at an accredited undergraduate institution in the U.S. College freshmen can apply to the program as long as they have AP credit and 12 hours of science credit.
This summer dental internship for undergraduates is designed to offer hands-on exposure to research and the research culture within a health science center. You will be matched with faculty scientists and work on a project tied to oral health, biomedical science, or patient care. The experience can give you a closer look at how researchers and clinicians investigate problems that matter in dentistry. Weekly seminars will expose you to current dental and biomedical research topics while also helping you understand the dental school pathway. You will practice summarizing your work in an abstract, which you will submit at the end of SODSURP.
Location: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN
Stipend: Paid + room, board, travel to and from Minnesota covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: MnCORE is a part of LSSURP, which brings together ~70 students across nine summer research programs; single-program numbers not available
Dates: May 30 – August 8
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enrolled full time in an accredited two- or four-year institution, and interested in pursuing a Ph.D., DDS, or MD in the life sciences
MnCORE introduces students to craniofacial, oral health, and dental research through a structured 10-week summer research experience. You will work on a mentored project while also participating in seminars and activities that help you understand dental research careers more broadly. Research areas may include immunology, cancer, biomaterials, bone biology, and microbiology, providing a broader view of how dentistry intersects with the life sciences. The final poster symposium will let you practice communicating scientific findings in a professional research format. You will also be part of a larger life sciences research community, which can help you compare the dental research track with other biomedical pathways.
Location: University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: May 20 – July 17
Application deadline: January 4 (early decision) | March 8 (regular)
Eligibility: Rising college sophomores and juniors enrolled in a college/university, community college, or early college program who have completed a minimum of three college-level credit hours each in math, biology, and chemistry by summer and have a science/overall GPA of 3.0 or higher; students must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents and come from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
UNC's summer dental internship for undergraduates is designed for students preparing for medical or dental school and looking for a more academically intensive summer experience. You will spend eight weeks building core science and quantitative skills while also learning strategies for reading, testing, writing, and interviewing. The pre-dental pathway will give you exposure to dental lab work, which can help you understand how technical skills show up in dental training. The schedule will combine classroom preparation with shadowing and visits to healthcare settings. You will also have opportunities to meet health professionals, who can offer insights into school and career pathways.
Location: Multiple Midtown Dental Group locations in New York and New Jersey
Stipend: $16/hour (for participants under the NYC Industry Scholars Program); unpaid academic credit opportunities also available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4 – 12 weeks (internship) | Flexible duration for shadowing opportunities (dates vary by opportunity)
Application deadline: February 15 (for summer opportunities)
Eligibility: High school and college students
Midtown Dental Group’s program provides students with exposure to the day-to-day operations of a modern dental practice. You may observe dental procedures, assist with patient-facing tasks where appropriate, and learn how clinical and administrative teams coordinate care. The program also introduces important professional protocols such as infection control, HIPAA, OSHA compliance, and bloodborne pathogen safety. A key element is the opportunity to explore several aspects of dentistry simultaneously, including chairside care, hygiene, sterilization, lab case management, scheduling, and patient communication. Depending on your placement and state rules, you may also learn about digital impressions, radiographs, or advanced dental technology. The optional case review component can help you follow a patient case more closely and practice presenting what you learned in a professional format.
Location: Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Minimum 20 students
Dates: May 18 – June 26
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Students who plan to pursue dentistry and have completed at least 60 college semester hours by the end of Spring, including 8 hours each of biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry with labs, with a minimum 2.75 GPA; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference given to Texas residents. Applicants must come from a dentally underserved, academically disadvantaged, or economically disadvantaged background.
Texas A&M’s SPEP Collegiate II is designed for students serious about applying to dental school who want targeted preparation. You will spend six weeks strengthening your scientific foundation through coursework in human biology, preclinical dentistry, learning strategies, and DAT preparation. A preclinical component will help you see how dental materials and procedures connect to actual practice. A key feature of this summer dental internship for undergraduates is the “Investigating Dentistry” component, where you will explore a dental topic and present your findings. You will also take part in workshops, clinical rotations, and interactions with dental students, faculty, and administrators.
Location: Multiple OHSU labs across Oregon
Stipend: $15/hour or the current minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application deadline: Application window opens in November
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, currently enrolled in high school and undergraduate degree programs, or recent graduates from an undergraduate program
The OHSU Research Internship Program gives you a structured way to explore dental and oral health research while working under the guidance of an experienced mentor. You will be placed in a lab or research setting where your work will be shaped around your educational level and the project’s needs. Depending on the placement, you may learn how to analyze data, use research equipment, follow testing procedures, or contribute to ongoing studies in oral and craniofacial science. The summer dental internship for undergraduates is also designed to help you understand what research careers in dental science can look like beyond the classroom. At the end, you will present your findings, gaining experience explaining your work clearly and learning about other interns’ projects.
Location: University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 27 – June 26
Application deadline: March 6
Eligibility: College seniors or recent graduates who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents with a minimum 3.0 Science GPA and 3.0 Overall GPA; applicants must be on track to complete all required prerequisite coursework and identify as educational, socially, or economically disadvantaged or underrepresented minorities in dentistry.
Detroit Mercy’s SEP is a structured, stipend-based summer pre-dental program for students preparing to move from undergraduate study into dental school applications. Your schedule will include DAT preparation, study time, clinic shadowing, workshops, and interactions with faculty, staff, administrators, and current dental students. You will also engage in simulation lab activities and patient care observation. The program will also offer support focused on personal statements, interviews, study skills, financial aid, and professional development. As a participant, you stand a chance to be considered for conditional admission after completing program requirements.
Location: UCLA and Charles R. Drew University, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $1,000 + travel assistance up to $500 for students with financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school graduates, ages 18 and up, currently enrolled as freshmen or sophomores in college with a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5; applicants must be first-time SHPEP participants and U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those with DACA status
The UCLA/CDU SHPEP is a six-week experience designed to help you build a strong foundation for health professions and medical school while exploring dentistry alongside other clinical fields. You will participate in coursework, discussions, academic skill-building, career development sessions, and track-specific advising during the program. This summer dental internship for undergraduates will also allow you to engage in problem-based learning activities, where you will analyze clinical cases alongside current medical, nursing, or dental students. You will also work with mentors and peers, which can help you plan your remaining undergraduate years with greater direction.
Location: NIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), Bethesda, MD + other NIH locations in the U.S.
Stipend: Paid; check details here
Dates: May 11 – August 31
Application deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and students enrolled at least half-time in accredited community colleges, colleges, or universities as undergraduate, graduate, or professional school students; applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
SIP at NIH offers students the opportunity to engage in scientific research during the summer. You will work full-time under the mentorship of experienced researchers, contributing to projects in behavioral, biomedical, or social science, including investigations in dental and craniofacial research, in NIH labs. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing you to use advanced research technologies to practice scientific problem-solving. You will also have access to professional development activities, a Graduate and Professional School Fair, and a Summer Poster Day, where you will share your summer findings with the NIH community and peers. Through this summer internship, you will gain firsthand exposure to a professional research ecosystem.
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 19 – June 26
Application deadline: February 1 (early) | March 15 (final)
Eligibility: Current college juniors, seniors, graduates, or post-baccalaureate students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents preparing to apply to medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or physical therapy health professional schools or programs; applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have completed three years of college coursework, including in organic chemistry I and II
VCU SAEP is a six-week academic enrichment program for students preparing to apply to dental school or another health professional program. In the dentistry track, you will engage in instruction designed to help you understand the academic demands of professional school. The program will offer non-credit coursework in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology, along with workshops focused on test-taking, professionalism, and interview preparation. SAEP will offer an assessment of your readiness for professional school, which can help you identify your strengths and areas of improvement before applying. You will also participate in community service and interprofessional activities, getting a broader view of healthcare beyond just dentistry.
Location: Virtual and University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Buffalo, NY
Stipend: No stipend, but travel costs + one Dental Admissions Test (DAT) + application fee to the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~25 – 30 students/year
Dates: Virtual sessions: April 11, 18, and 25; May 2, 9, and 16 + In-person session: May 31 – June 4
Application deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or recipients of a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75; applicants must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents/DACA recipients and those of disadvantaged status. Canadian citizens may also be considered.
Destination Dental School is designed for students who want structured support as they prepare to apply to dental school. You will learn about the dental profession, the admissions process, financing dental education, and the DAT through a mix of online and in-person programming. The in-person component will give you direct exposure to the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and the people who shape its academic community. While not a typical internship, the program lets you engage in internship-like activities like research projects, faculty mentoring, and networking with dental students and community leaders. The program will also give you access to practical application supports, which can reduce some of the barriers that make the dental school process difficult to navigate.
14. Texas A&M University’s BIBS (Biomedical Informatics and Behavioral Sciences) Summer Research Program
Location: Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX
Stipend: $5,502 for the summer (or $15/hour via monthly stipends); domestic round-trip flights covered for non-local participants + subsistence support for housing available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Nine weeks in the summer
Application deadline: February 27; applications open on January 12
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who have completed at least one year of undergraduate education (two years preferred) at accredited schools and are in good academic standing
BIBS Summer Research Program is a nine-week experience designed to introduce you to biomedical informatics, data science, and behavioral sciences within a dental public health context. You will attend weekly lab sessions covering programming in R, statistical modeling, and inference, building skills in areas like clustering, classification, hypothesis testing, and regression. Throughout the program, you will take part in biweekly seminars and journal clubs and work with a faculty mentor to carry out a hands-on research project relevant to oral and public health. You will wrap up with an abstract and poster presentation at the BIBS Summer Research Conference. You may also have the opportunity to attend a statewide public health conference for additional networking.
Location: University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $1,000 + travel reimbursement (up to $500) for students living more than 50 miles away
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: February 5; the application window opens on November 1 of the prior year.
Eligibility: College first-year or sophomore students with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients; the program particularly encourages students from educationally and economically under-resourced communities across Washington State.
SHPEP is a free, six-week academic enrichment program designed to strengthen your foundation in the basic sciences and prepare you for a future health professions career, offered as a collaboration between UW's Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Public Health. You will take rigorous courses in biology, chemistry, and population health, using a “Learn to Learn” model that teaches evidence-based study techniques for life science topics. Career development sessions will guide you through exploring medical, dental, and public health career paths, the admissions process, and building an individualized education plan. You will also get hands-on exposure to UW's Nursing Simulation Lab, Stop the Bleed lab, and Dental Simulation Lab. You will work on a community-based service learning project that will culminate in a poster presentation.
Bonus!
Location: Remote; you can work from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts throughout the year (Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, and November cycles)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who are able to commit 10 to 20 hours per week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual program where you work with startups and non-profits from around the world. During the internship, you will work directly with a startup team and contribute to a real-world project that addresses a specific need for the organization. Projects span various areas, including health, tech, hospitality, and management. Throughout the program, you will work closely with a manager or mentor at the startup who guides your progress and provides feedback on your work. This structure allows you to gain professional experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. At the end of the internship, you will present your project and outcomes, demonstrating the impact of your work and the insights you gained during the program. Apply now!
Frequently asked questions
What summer dental internships are available for undergraduates?
Options include dental research programs, such as NYU REOHS, D-REX, MnCORE, and BIBS, pre-dental enrichment and DAT preparation programs, such as Texas A&M SPEP, Detroit Mercy SEP, and Destination Dental School, clinical shadowing opportunities, such as Midtown Dental Group, and broader health professions programs, such as SHPEP at UCLA/CDU and University of Washington.
Which dental internships pay the highest stipends?
Texas A&M's BIBS Summer Research Program offers $5,502, and University of Maryland's D-REX offers $5,400. NYU's REOHS offers up to $5,000, while most other programs, such as SODSURP and SHPEP, offer stipends in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.
Are there dental internships for undergraduates from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds?
Yes, UNC S.E.P., Texas A&M SPEP Collegiate II, Detroit Mercy SEP, and both SHPEP programs specifically prioritize applicants from educationally, socially, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups in dentistry.
When should I apply to summer dental internships as an undergraduate?
The earliest deadlines are UNC S.E.P. (January 4 early decision) and Texas A&M SPEP (January 31). Several other programs fall in February, including NYU REOHS, MnCORE, and UCLA/CDU SHPEP, while SODSURP and VCU SAEP's final deadline extend into March.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.