Top Dental Internships Abroad for Pre-Dental & Dental Students

Top Destinations and Programs to Gain Guided Hands-On Experience as a Pre-Dental or Dental Student

If you’re on the path to dental school, or already in it, clinical shadowing is one of the best ways to prepare for a future in oral healthcare. But not all experiences are created equal. While many students look locally, more are now exploring international dental internships to build their skills, gain global exposure, and stand out on applications.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best shadowing opportunities for dental students abroad, what to look for in a program, and why placements with Go Elective in Kenya and Tanzania offer exceptional value for pre-dental and dental students alike.

> Explore Go-Elective Dental Internships Abroad

Why Shadowing Abroad Can Be a Game-Changer

Dental schools and employers value:

Diverse clinical exposure
Cross-cultural communication skills
Initiative and adaptability
Commitment to underserved communities

By shadowing abroad, you don’t just observe procedures—you gain a deeper understanding of how dental care is delivered in low-resource environments, how socioeconomic factors affect oral health, and how public health initiatives impact real people.

Plus, it gives you a powerful story to share in your personal statement and interviews.

What Makes a Strong Dental Shadowing Program Abroad?

Whether you’re shadowing for the first time or supplementing your U.S.-based experience, look for a program that offers:

Hospital-based or public clinic settings, not just private practices
Supervised access to observe extractions, restorations, cleanings, and pediatric care
Mentorship from local dentists or dental officers
Opportunities to assist in outreach or oral health education
Structure and support, including housing, meals, and in-country guidance

All of these are included in Go Elective’s dental internships in Kenya and Tanzania.

Top Shadowing Opportunities for Dental Students Abroad

Mombasa, Kenya (Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital)

Best for: Students seeking high-volume public dental experience

As one of Kenya’s largest public referral hospitals, CGTRH includes a busy dental unit where interns can observe:

Routine and emergency extractions
Scaling and polishing
Fillings and restorations
Pediatric dentistry
Oral health assessments and triage

You’ll shadow trained dentists and clinical officers, gaining insight into both procedural skills and the public health side of oral care. The hospital’s diverse patient base means you’ll see a wide range of conditions—and learn how clinicians adapt with limited tools.

> Explore Go Elective internships in Mombasa

Arusha, Tanzania (Urban and District Clinics)

Best for: Students interested in rural outreach and preventive care

In Arusha, dental shadowing often includes time in both urban dental units and mobile community health clinics. Interns typically observe:

Preventive oral health screenings in schools
Community-based oral hygiene education
Treatment planning in low-resource environments
Cultural beliefs influencing dental care

This is a great option if you’re considering public health dentistry or want to understand the broader context of oral health equity.

> Explore Healthcare Internships in Tanzania

Nairobi, Kenya (Private + Public Blend – Advanced Interns Only)

Best for: Upper-level dental students seeking exposure to a range of technologies

For more advanced students or those seeking exposure to both government and private practice settings, Go Elective may organize customized placements in Nairobi. This can include:

Clinical rotations in dental hospitals or teaching institutions
Observation of prosthodontics, orthodontics, or endodontics
Possible exposure to digital radiography and impression-taking

Due to higher complexity, this placement is available to senior dental students only, and requires advanced planning.

> Contact us to request a custom placement

What You'll Learn During a Dental Shadowing Internship

How dental professionals diagnose and manage oral conditions with limited tools
How economic, cultural, and systemic barriers affect oral health
How to conduct basic oral health education in underserved settings
How to communicate effectively in multilingual, multicultural environments
How to reflect critically on your role as a future dental provider

Many Go Elective participants return with greater confidence, clarity about their career goals, and stories that shape their admissions essays.

Pre-Dental? This Still Applies to You

You don’t need to be in dental school to benefit. In fact, shadowing abroad is especially helpful for:

Pre-dental students seeking meaningful experience before applying
Students needing hours for dental school applications (ADEA AADSAS)
Gap year students building their portfolio
High school students exploring dentistry early

Go Elective’s pre-dental programs are structured to support students at all levels, with tailored shadowing and reflection sessions to match your experience and goals.

Final Thoughts

The best shadowing experiences for dental students go beyond clinic walls—they immerse you in culture, public health, and ethical care delivery.

With Go Elective, you’ll receive a structured, ethical, and impactful internship that balances clinical observation with real-world learning. You’ll gain confidence in your career path, build strong connections, and walk away with a global perspective that sets you apart.

> Apply today to secure your spot or reach out via hello@goelective.com to speak with our advisors

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Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.