Special Care/Hospital Dentistry Internship Program

The Special Care/Hospital Dentistry Internship Program at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, is a one-year advanced training opportunity designed for dentists seeking additional education and experience in the management of medically, developmentally and psychosocially complex patients. This unique program bridges the gap between general dental education and residency programs, preparing participants for specialized practice or advanced training in Special Care and Hospital Dentistry.

Goals of the Program

Equip dentists with advanced skills and knowledge to manage medically and developmentally compromised patients.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based care.
Prepare interns for competitive post-graduate residency programs or specialized dental practice.

Program Structure and Rotations

University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Interns will assist in the outpatient Special Care Clinic, supervising dental students performing procedures and managing complex cases.

California Pacific Medical Center

Interns will gain hands-on experience with hospital-based dentistry, including treating patients under general anesthesia.

Partner Institutions

Rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics to provide diverse clinical exposure.

Interns will engage in a wide range of clinical activities, including:

Supervising dental students in the outpatient Special Care Clinic.
Managing patients with developmental disabilities, severe medical conditions, or behavioral challenges.
Participating in hospital call and managing dental emergencies.
Assisting in operating room cases under general anesthesia.

Interns will gain experience in:

Restorative Dentistry
Fixed Prosthodontics
Simple and Surgical Extractions
Endodontic Treatment
Therapeutic Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Surgery

Program Benefits

Unique Training Environment

Exposure to both outpatient and hospital-based care settings.
Hands-on experience in treating medically and developmentally complex patients.

Comprehensive Skill Development

Interns will develop clinical, surgical, and management skills critical for special care dentistry.

Interdisciplinary Expertise

Training includes collaboration with medical professionals and specialists, ensuring a holistic understanding of patient care.

Research and Scholarly Growth

Interns will gain research experience and contribute to academic publications, enhancing their academic credentials.

Career Advancement

Graduates will be highly competitive for post-graduate residency programs and leadership roles in hospital or special care dentistry.

Program Length

12 months (July 8, 2025– June 12, 2026)

Stipend

$68,000 annually

Limitations

This program is not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. It is intended as an advanced training opportunity.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

Eligibility Requirements

DDS or DMD degree from a U.S. or Canadian accredited dental school.
Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or Canadian Citizen.
Must hold an active California dental license prior to the program start date.

Application Materials

Submit the following to Gloria Sue, Admissions Coordinator at gsue@pacific.edu

Letter of Intent: Explain your motivation for applying and your career goals.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight relevant education, training, and experience.
Official Transcripts: Undergraduate and dental school transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from faculty or professionals familiar with your qualifications.
Digital Photo: Headshot for identification purposes.

Selection Process

Initial Screening: Based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, and professional experience.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a personal interview with the program director and faculty.
Final Selection: Based on holistic evaluation of qualifications and interview performance.

Paul Subar

Gloria Sue

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Paul Subar

Professor/Chair of Diagnostic Sciences

Email: psubar@pacific.edu

Phone: 415.749.3374

Professor at the Dugoni School and the director of the school's Special Care Clinic/Hospital Dentistry Program, Subar teaches three core courses in the curriculum and a variety of weekly seminar programs. He specializes in access to oral health for patients with special needs, including those with severe medical, developmental and/or psychosocial conditions. Subar's clinical responsibilities include delivery of dental services to patients requiring hospital dentistry as well as responding to consultation requests from the transplant and medicine services at California Pacific Medical Center. He has served on several key school committees including the Admissions committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Faculty Appointments and Tenure Committee, and is the chair of the Extramural Programs Committee.

A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz with baccalaureate degrees in both biochemistry and molecular biology, Subar earned his DDS from the University of California Los Angeles and completed his hospital training at the UCLA Medical Center. In 2009 he received his Doctorate in Education and Professional Leadership from University of the Pacific's Benerd School of Education. Subar's background includes serving as a dental director of a Federally Qualified Health Center and as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service.

Subar received the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Faculty Award three years in a row and was the first award recipient of the California Dental Association's annual Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award. In 2010, Subar was elected to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.