Preceptorship Program
The School of Dentistry Preceptorship Program works with interested friends of the school to develop collaborative preceptorship sites that allow our senior dental and dental hygiene students to participate in community-based and private practice clinical experiences. The preceptorship experiences provide opportunities to continue the development and integration of skills and professional judgment required of the entry-level practitioner in a real-world dental practice environment.
The preceptorship initiative addresses two of the School's missions: to provide educational programs that prepare graduates who are competent to provide dental care services and to provide quality oral health care to the public and service to the community. Participating in the community-based sites sensitizes the student to underserved populations, provides experiences in alternative dental delivery systems, and increases access to dental care for underserved Virginians. By working along side the practicing dentist; students have the opportunity to enhance their skills in such areas as communication, practice management, patient management and professionalism. They have the opportunity to observe the day-to-day business component of dental practice and to develop professional and community relationships that will serve as a foundation for professional learning experiences and leadership development. In short, the preceptorship program is a partnership in learning and the theme might be "putting it all together."