An important part of the curriculum in the first two years of the dental education program is spent in the APEX Program.

How does the program work?
You will intern in an APEX mentor's office during your first and second years of dental school for eight weeks. This early, hands-on experience with practicing dentists helps you build skills and prepares you for patient care in the school's clinics and beyond.

What can students do in an APEX office?
As part of the dental team, you will take dental and medical histories and take and record vital signs. You will become an integral part of the APEX dental office by assisting at chairside, exposing, developing and interpreting radiographs, taking alginate impressions and providing home care instruction. You will also be exposed to the practice management systems utilized in the office.

Who are the APEX mentors?
They are experienced general dentists who want to give back to the profession of dentistry by mentoring students.

What are some advantages of the APEX Program?

• Work alongside a practicing dentist while applying classroom learning to real-world practice.
• Enhance your communication skills by interacting with patients on a daily basis.
• See a variety of specialties, which can help you decide whether you want to specialize.
• Make valuable professional contacts. Each year, several APEX offices hire their APEX students as associates.
• Learn how to manage a dental practice.

What types of APEX placements are available?
APEX sites include private practice, hospital-based ambulatory facilities and community health centers. Most APEX sites are general practices, which can give students an understanding of all aspects of dentistry. We also offer students the opportunity to visit specialty offices in orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry and prosthodontics.

CONTACT US!
Have questions or comments? Contact us at apex@bu.edu or: 

Madalyn Mann, Director of Extramural Programs, 617/638-8523, mmann@bu.edu  

Meg Loadholt, Associate Director of Extramural Programs, 617/638-8523, megl@bu.edu  

Kathy Held, Assistant Director of Extramural Programs, tel. 617/638-8523, kheld@bu.edu

Andrea Dickhaut,  Assistant Director of Extramural Programs, tel. 617/638-4913, andreald@bu.edu

Sharon Boyle, Administrative Coordinator, tel. 617/638-8523, sboyle@bu.edu  

Anita Jhamb, Administrative Assistant, tel. 617/638-8523, ajhamb@bu.edu 

APEX Office 
Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine 
715 Albany Street Room 309 
Boston, MA 02118 
fax: 617/638-8510