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Surgical experience that sets you apart
The Specialty Care Unit (SCU) of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at A.T. Still University–Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) offers a one-year non-categorical internship (pre-residency) program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS). This program is designed to expand the scope and depth of clinical knowledge and surgical skills, preparing interns to provide oral surgical care to individuals with complex medical conditions.
A particular focus is placed on serving underserved populations who face barriers to accessing oral surgical care. This internship is ideal for dentists or recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery but want additional experience prior to beginning a formal residency program.
This is a non-categorical program, meaning it does not count toward completion of a formal OMFS certificate program. Currently, ATSU-MOSDOH does not offer an OMFS residency program.
Internship details
This 12-month internship program provides strong clinical training within the SCU of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at ATSU-MOSDOH, along with supplemental rotations in oral pathology, urgent care, and implantology. Interns gain hands-on experience in surgical cases performed in operating rooms under faculty supervision.
The program is anticipated to expand opportunities with two external rotations - BJC WashU Anesthesia rotation (2 weeks) and Mercy OMFS rotation (1 week).
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:
Starts July 1, 2026
12-month duration
Up to two interns selected annually
Certificate awarded upon successful completion
Interns are responsible for performing:
- Complex dentoalveolar surgery
- Pre-prosthetic surgery
- Management of odontogenic infections and pathology (biopsy)
- Diagnosis, surgical planning, and providing care
- Advanced bone grafting for implants
- Experience in diagnosing, managing, and referring patients with orofacial pain
- Oral surgery for patients with complex medical conditions, including certain special needs populations
Interns will also gain experience with office-based conscious sedation and hospital-based deep parenteral anesthesia through rotations at the SCU of OMFS and affiliated hospitals.
In addition to clinical work, interns participate in monthly multidisciplinary treatment planning seminars with other specialty programs. This includes OMFS lectures, hands-on skill labs, and active participation in the OMFS club.
Where clinical training meets real-world impact
This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience that strengthens both clinical confidence and surgical competency. Interns work in a variety of settings, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary care models.
- Provide oral surgical care to medically complex populations where access to care is limited
- Gain experience and confidence in performing minor oral surgery competently
- Prepare for OMFS residency programs by gaining additional clinical, surgical, and medical experience
- Exposure to hospital dentistry and operating room settings
- Experience with conscious sedation and general anesthesia
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning with implantology, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and general dentistry
- Practice in rural or underserved community settings
- Work in community clinics, including FQHCs, to enhance general dentistry skills
- Receive a stipend with benefits
Applying to the OMFS internship
Applicants to the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Internship program must meet specific academic and professional requirements and submit all materials through designated application systems. Review the requirements and process below to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.
- Successfully completed a DDS or DMD degree from a CODA-accredited U.S. dental school
- Eligible for unrestricted full dental licensure to practice in the state of Missouri; licensure must be obtained prior to the start of the internship
- CV including GPA and class rank
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from OMFS faculty
- Submission of all requested documents via the ATSU application portal
- Proof of BLS and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
- Personal statement
- Highly recommended: NBME-CBSE
- Required standardized tests: CBSE, NBDE, NBDE1, NBDE2, and passing the INBDE before matriculation into the advanced dental education program
- Official copies of INBDE or NBDE Parts 1 & 2 must be included during the initial application submission
Submit all materials through PASS and the ATSU website:
- Candidates are reviewed by the admissions committee. The committee considers the following criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Clinical knowledge and oral surgery experience
- Motivation and work ethic
- Extracurricular achievement, including community and outreach experience
- Selected candidates will be invited for interviews via phone or email in early February or shortly after GME Pass/Match results are published.
- Decisions are issued in late February to early March, with a formal acceptance letter signed by the program director and vice dean for clinical education.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. If an applicant with an incomplete application demonstrates sufficient merit based on submitted materials, a conditional interview may be granted. This is contingent upon receipt of missing materials and final approval by the admissions committee.
For additional information about the internship program, please contact:
Prashanth K. Haribabu, DDS, MDS, MSD, FICD
Associate Professor and Internship Program
Director of OMFS
David E. Urbanek, DMD, MS
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Michael J. Backer, DMD, MS
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Robert Reti, DDS, FACS
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Elie Freilich, DDS
Adjunct Assistant Professor
St. Louis Dental Center
1500 Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
Phone: 314.685.3579
Email: prashanthharibabu@atsu.edu