Apa Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Aesthetics
The Apa Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Aesthetic Dentistry allows US and foreign-trained dentists to improve their clinical skills and knowledge in the field of aesthetic dentistry. This full-time, one-year program strongly emphasizes clinical exposure, with students working on real patients under faculty supervision and didactic training focusing on modern esthetic treatment methods.
For foreign-trained dentists, the fellowship is a great opportunity to enhance your qualifications for U.S. dental schools.
Program Type
Fellowship Certificate
Dates
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Next Available Intake
July 2025
Number Seats Available
12 Seats
Length
One Year
Program Structure
The fellowship is full-time, running from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, divided into 80% clinical and 20% didactic components, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical application. You will be able to work on patients directly, under the close supervision of a highly experienced and diverse faculty made up of leading practitioners in the field of aesthetic dentistry and related disciplines.
By completing the Apa Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Aesthetic Dentistry, you'll gain a deep understanding of the complexities involved in esthetic diagnosis. You'll exit the program with clinical competence in formulating and executing treatment plans for patients who desire esthetic improvement.
Throughout the fellowship, you'll develop the skills needed to complete the digital and analog smile analyses. You'll also learn how to recommend and execute treatment plans, which include a broad range of modern esthetic treatment methods. These methods include porcelain laminates, direct and indirect composite restorations, implant restorations in the esthetic zone, bleaching techniques, crown and bridge prostheses, and partial coverage porcelain restorations.
In our program, students will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of clinical procedures, honing their skills and expertise in the field of aesthetic dentistry. Some of the key procedures you'll get hands-on experience will include:
Smile Design: Mastering the art and science of Enhancing smiles
In-Depth Occlusal Analysis: Comprehensive examination to enhance functional understanding Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning and Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Develop personalized treatment plans in collaboration with other disciplines to address complex aesthetic cases comprehensively.
Case Presentation: Master the art of effective patient communication
Tooth Whitening: Learn the latest techniques in teeth whitening to help patients achieve a brighter and more confident smile.
Direct and Indirect Composite Restorations: Acquire the skills to create seamless, natural-looking composite restorations for patients.
Veneers: Master the art of veneer placement to transform patients' smiles by correcting imperfections in shape, size, and color.
Implant-Supported and tooth-supported Prosthodontics: Gain proficiency in restoring smiles using implant-supported and tooth-supported prosthodontics, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.
Digital Dentistry Workflow: Transitioning from analog to digital workflows in dentistry has become a pivotal evolution bringing a multitude of advantages to both practitioners and patients.
Our students work on a variety of cases to prepare them for real-world challenges in aesthetic dentistry including:
Dental Veneers: Acquire the skills to enhance smiles with dental veneers, addressing aesthetic concerns with minimally invasive procedures.
Stain treatment and Whitening: Address common aesthetic concerns such as staining and discoloration.
Tooth Reshaping and Alignment: Correct misaligned teeth and reshape them for improved aesthetics and functionality.
Complex Restorations: Tackle challenging cases involving extensive tooth damage or imperfections.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Learn to provide comprehensive solutions for patients with complex oral health and aesthetic needs.
In addition to hands-on clinical experiences, our program includes a robust curriculum of didactic topics and seminars that cover essential theoretical aspects of aesthetic dentistry. Some of the seminar topics include:
Aesthetic Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning: Develop the skills to create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and desires.
Smile Analysis: Understand the principles of smile design and analysis to plan and execute aesthetic treatments effectively.
Comprehensive Understanding of Occlusion: Delve into the intricacies of occlusion for precise treatment planning.
Digital Dentistry Workflow: This seminar delves into the myriad advantages for both practitioners and patients in this pivotal evolution.
Dental Materials: Gain knowledge about the latest materials and their application in aesthetic dentistry.
Dental Laboratory Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration between dental professionals and dental laboratories are vital to achieving the best possible patient outcomes.
Patient Communication: Learn how to effectively communicate with patients and obtain informed consent for treatment plans.
Ethical Considerations: Explore the ethical considerations and responsibilities of aesthetic dentists. Soft Skills for Modern Aesthetic Dentistry: In modern aesthetic dentistry, soft skills are not secondary but complementary to technical proficiency. After completing the program, you'll be awarded a certificate of attendance. This certificate is different from the postgraduate program certificate given to full-time international postgraduates in specialty training, which is necessary for recognition by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
It's important to note that our program is not CODA-accredited. However, in some U.S. states, there may be opportunities for two-year graduates to obtain a license. To get the specific requirements for licensure, please reach out to the dental boards in each state.
After completing the program, you'll be awarded a certificate of attendance. This certificate is different from the postgraduate program certificate given to full-time international postgraduates in specialty training, which is necessary for recognition by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
It's important to note that our program is not CODA-accredited. However, in some U.S. states, there may be opportunities for two-year graduates to obtain a license. To get the specific requirements for licensure, please reach out to the dental boards in each state.
Fellowship Director
Dr. Anabella Oquendo is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Cariology and Comprehensive Care. In addition to her faculty appointment at NYU Dentistry, Dr. Oquendo has lectured on the topics of aesthetic and restorative dentistry at several universities, national and international dental meetings, and study groups. In 2010, she was honored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry with the Award for Excellence in Cosmetic Dental Research. Dr. Oquendo has published chapters and articles in a variety of professional dental publications. She is also an active member of numerous dental committees and societies. Dr. Oquendo received her dental degrees from the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas and from the NYU Dentistry Advanced Program for International Dentists in Aesthetic Dentistry.
Admission Process
Take the next step in your dental career. Submit your application now and join the ranks of the most accomplished dentists in the world!
Eligibility requirements:
- All candidates must have graduated from dental school.
- The program requires at least 1 year of clinical experience outside of the internship year.
Application required documents:
- Dental school diploma.
- Dental school transcript (mark sheet) listing subjects studied, and grades received.
- A personal statement of 1-2 pages in length explaining your interest in the program, including information on your academic background, career goals, and qualifications.
- Letter of recommendation from a Dean, professor, or supervisor.
Application fee:
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $100
The following items are not required but can be submitted as supplemental documentation in the online application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional examinations, i.e.: GRE Report
- Additional letters of recommendation
- NBDE and/or MFD I and II
Please note all documents must be submitted in English or with a certified English translation.
A course-by-course evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
This evaluation report provides the US equivalent of each educational credential, including a list of courses studied and grades received.
A copy of an English Language Test Report for applicants who come from a country where English is not the official language:
If students come from a country where English is the official language or they received their dental education from a country where English is the official language, a waiver can be granted.
- Submit online application: Fill out and submit your application form through the online portal.
- Pay the $100 application fee: Submit the non-refundable $100 application fee.
- Attend admissions interview: Attend the admissions interview with the admissions committee.
- Admissions decision: You will receive an email asking you to log in to the application portal to view your admissions decision.
- Confirm your admission: Officially accept your admission offer to the program.
- Pay enrollment deposit: Submit the necessary deposit to secure your place at the institution.
- Obtain your I-20: Submit the required additional documents for the issuance of your I-20, which is needed for international students studying in the United States.
- Apply for visa: Initiate the visa application.