Dental internship placements are at private and public clinics, some of which specialize in orthodontics or other specialties. You work with local professionals and paraprofessionals to assist with patient consultation and treatment.
Possible tasks for Dental Interns include:
- Observe and aid in patient consultations
- Aid in teeth cleaning and check-ups
- Assist with processing, reporting, and interpreting tests
- Teach patients about basic dental hygiene and healthy routines
- Clean and prepare materials
- Help out in the reception area with appointments and paperwork
- Organize patient files
Please be aware that activities vary based on the needs of the dental facility. It is crucial to have realistic expectations, as there are inherent limitations to working abroad in the dental field. In some cases only shadowing, rather than independent work with patients, is possible for those with qualifications from other countries.
As part of the internship program, participants receive 1 hour of private Spanish lessons every day, Monday to Friday. The classes can be personalized to the level and work schedule, and focuses on vocabulary relevant to the internship placement.
Our Native Spanish Program is taught by experienced, certified, native Spanish instructors. Maximo Nivel uses the Communicative Method of language teaching, which is focused primarily on immersive, spoken interaction as a means of learning. For this reason, please note that teachers speak only in Spanish 100% of the time during class.
All interns are required to submit weekly journals and a final deliverable.
Internships os less than 8 weeks require either a 10-20 page written paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation. Internships of 8 weeks or longer require both a 10-20 page written paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Final Deliverables are expected to cover the following:
- Overview of the company worked with and the intern's role
- Organization review
- Sector analysis in host or home country
- Analysis of obstacles incurred
- Outcomes/results
Interns are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators, but they are not with them at the placement every day. Please be prepared for some independence and leadership.
Internship placements are located in the Antigua area. Walking or taking the bus is the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from your placement. Travel time varies widely from project to project, and interns should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. Taxis are also widely available. For the first visit to the placement, interns are taken by a Maximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about how to get to and from your work place. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one way trip typically costs Q8 (about $1) or less, but may cost more if the project is further outside Antigua.
