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 Colton Street

Colton Street 
More than 90 third- and fourth-year dental students participated in public health sciences’ Community Preceptor Program during their summer break. Participating students worked for a one- to two-week period as externs alongside practicing dentists in dental offices and public health dental clinics. 

The preceptor program provides students with valuable experiences pertaining to community responsibility and involvement, dental practice management and enhancement of clinical skills. 

Colton Street, a fourth-year dental student, spent two weeks in El Paso, Texas, where he worked in four dental clinics with a total of eight practicing dentists. He says the preceptor program allowed him to gain experience working with different populations and with doctors that offer their own style of patient care.

“It was good experience in seeing how a real clinic works and how different doctors do things,” says Street. “If I can take a little away from all my experiences, then I am better off than I was before.”

Most preceptors are general dentists in private practice in a small town, suburban area or rural setting. Other preceptorship opportunities exist in dental health clinics serving veterans, AIDS patients and underserved populations.