The University of British Columbia (UBC) Dentistry Summer Student Practitioner Program (SSPP) is a unique opportunity for incoming fourth-year dental students to practice dentistry, within approved competencies, for up to seven weeks in any city across BC. The program is funded by four partners including CDSPI and is supported by over 100 dentist mentors across the province.
Students experience how a practice is run
The students receive a temporary license and are paired with a practicing dentist to experience the day-to-day operation and management of a dental practice. They get hands-on experience working in a dental office, learning new skills, and the opportunity to ask questions. The SSPP encourages students to explore and experience dentistry outside of Metro Vancouver.
“This program sets our students up for success in fourth year, and solidifies their passion for the dentistry profession,” says Dr. Lauren Milchman, Director of the Summer Student Practitioner Program. “Working in a dental office is a much different experience than being in an academic environment, so seeing how a practice runs is very beneficial. Many students would not be able to participate in this type of program without the funding provided by our four corporate sponsors.”
The 2024 program was another enormous success. Over 80% of the fourth-year students participated in 98 placements in dental offices in three working zones: the Greater Vancouver Area, south and east of Vancouver, and the central interior region. For some, the experience of working in a small town has been life changing, showing them career options, they may not have otherwise considered.
Participating in mentorship programs like SSPP is an important part of the journey to achieving success as a dentist. As part of its commitment to give back to and support the dental profession, CDSPI is proud to sponsor the summer travel and accommodation expenses for SSPP participants with placements outside of Metro Vancouver.
CDSPI is proud to sponsor the SSPP program helping dental students become dentists in tangible ways.