What are Externships?  
During the fourth year, students participate in a distinguishing component of the curriculum: a 10-week required extramural experience. The Externship Program, which is the fourth year of the APEX rotation, exposes students to alternative clinical settings and different modes of treatment and instruction as well as to the needs of a variety of patient populations. Students can choose from more than 20 extramural sites that are affiliated with the school, extending from the East to the West Coast. 

The externship plays a vital role in the curriculum by allowing the student to practice his or her clinical and interpersonal skills in a more independent setting, with supervision, support, and guidance available from the extramural faculty members who serve as preceptors. 

What types of externship placements are available?  
Extramural settings include military installations, Veterans Administration Hospitals, neighborhood health centers, and major medical centers located throughout the United States. Each site has at least one preceptor, who functions as teacher and clinician while supervising the student’s overall experience. During their externship, students strengthen their skills in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, patient and practice management, and emergency care as well as provide a complete range of restorative dental services to patients. 

Have questions or comments?  
Contact the Office of Extramural Programs at Boston University  School of Dental Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Robinson B 309, Boston, MA 02118, 617/638-8523 or mmann@bu.edu.