Dental internship placements take place in both private and public clinics, including some that specialize in orthodontics and other fields. Interns work alongside local professionals and support staff, assisting with patient consultations and treatments.
Please note that tasks vary depending on the needs of the clinic. It’s important to set realistic expectations, as there are limitations to hands-on work in the dental field abroad. In some cases, interns may primarily shadow professionals rather than perform independent patient care, particularly if their qualifications are from another country.
Customising Placements:
We strive to align your internship placement with your goals and interests, ensuring a valuable experience in your chosen field. However, placements are designed to be mutually beneficial, meaning your tasks may vary based on the school’s needs.
Support and Independence:
While in-country coordinators provide support throughout your internship, they are not present at your placement daily. You should be prepared for a degree of independence and to take on a leadership role when necessary.
Language Requirements
The schools we partner with primarily operate in Spanish, making an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency a prerequisite for participation.
- A Spanish interview will be conducted over the phone to assess your proficiency before starting the program.
- In-country coordinators offer ongoing support but are not always on-site with you.
Work Schedule
- Hours: Interns typically work 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
- Spanish Classes: Daily 1-hour Spanish lessons are scheduled Monday through Friday. Additional time may be required for planning or completing work-related tasks.
- Weekends: Free for relaxation, exploration, travel, or personal projects.
Dress Code
In Costa Rica, personal presentation is important. Interns should dress neatly and professionally, adhering to a business casual dress code.
- Avoid revealing or extravagant clothing.
- Ensure shoulders and knees are covered.
- Bring clothing options suitable for warm weather yet professional in style.
Transportation
Internship placements are located in the San José area.
- Travel Options: Walking or taking a bus is the most cost-effective way to commute, with travel times ranging from 15 to 60 minutes each way. Taxis are also available but more expensive.
- Orientation: On your first day, a representative will accompany you to your placement to explain the route and transport options.
- Costs: Budget approximately $5 per day for transportation. A single bus ride typically costs ₡350 (about $0.60).
Program Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and complete a final deliverable:
- Practicums (less than 8 weeks): Submit either a 10–20 page paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
- Internships (8 weeks or longer): Submit both a 10–20 page paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
- Deliverable Content:
- Overview of the placement and your role.
- Review of the organization.
- Analysis of the education sector in the host or home country.
- Challenges encountered and outcomes achieved.
Spanish Lessons
As part of your program, you’ll receive daily 1-hour Spanish lessons, personalized to your proficiency level and work schedule. Lessons focus on vocabulary relevant to your placement and employ the Communicative Method, emphasizing immersive, spoken interaction. Note that classes are conducted entirely in Spanish by experienced native-speaking instructors.
Maximising Your Experience
Your internship’s success largely depends on your proactive approach. You’ll encounter language barriers and cultural differences in work structures, schedules, and management styles. Embrace these challenges, take initiative, and immerse yourself fully for the best experience.
Location
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and located in the middle of the country. It’s in a great spot to enjoy the city, as well as trips to the beach on the weekends. Around a 2 to 4 hour drive from the city, you will find rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. San Jose also has plenty of shopping, cinemas, restaurants and nightlife.
Project Tasks
- Observe and support patient consultations.
- Assist with teeth cleanings and routine check-ups.
- Help with processing, reporting, and interpreting test results.
- Educate patients on basic dental hygiene and healthy habits.
- Clean and prepare dental instruments and materials.
- Assist with reception duties, including scheduling and paperwork.
- Organize and maintain patient records.
