Internship - Dental

This is an unpaid internship.

The Community Oral Health Program provides comprehensive dental services to children in schools and high need community members on site at locations conveniently located. With an emphasis on disease control and prevention, the program is a key example of Public Health 3.0, serving the patients where they are and reducing transportation barriers.

This internship is a temporary position designed to enrich the learning experience of students interested in dental health and public health while improving the oral health literacy of students and families. The Dental Community Intern will create and edit educational materials, provide on-site educational activities through the dental program and provide resources as needed for high need patients.

Education/Experience: Enrolled in an educational program seeking a degree in public health or dental health

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Provide educational services, including instruction of proper oral hygiene home care techniques, tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition, and need for continued care
• Assist with Community Portable Dental Clinic patient outreach and preparation to provide services at community sites as needed
• Shadow various public health professionals throughout their time to gain experience in a variety of public health fields

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively with children and patients
• Basic computer word processing skills
• Ability to work independently
• Cultural understanding of patients and community

Time Commitment:

• 120 hours during Fall Semester 2026 or 20-30 hours/week, varies
• Work hours will be within normal dental operating hours (7-5 pm, M-F)

Benefits for Intern:

• Develop and practice verbal and written communication with co-workers and patients
• Develop critical thinking skills to solve problems as they arise in a mobile clinical setting
• Increase knowledge of dentistry with an emphasis on patient experience, oral health literacy and education principles
• Establish a base knowledge of Public Health 3.0 principles and dental public health standards

Our Mission

To improve individual and community health through services, education, and collaborative action.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving community where people make healthy choices in healthy environments.

CHA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.