If you’re thinking about a future in dentistry or biomedical science, participating in dental research opportunities for high school students can be a great way to develop hands-on experience, build technical skills, and understand how oral health connects to broader medical and scientific fields.
Whether you’re interested in clinical observation, lab-based projects, or public health topics, dental research opportunities for high school students can give you early exposure to the realities of dental research. Many also include mentoring, academic enrichment, and opportunities to present original work—valuable experiences for any student preparing for college or a healthcare career.
You will learn procedures such as microscopy, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques (like PCR or gel electrophoresis). You will also gain exposure to fields such as craniofacial development, oral microbiology, biomaterials, public health, or the systemic links between oral and overall health.
To help you pick the right program, here are 15 dental research opportunities for high school students.
15 Dental Research Opportunities for High School Students
1. Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: AI Scholars: generally accessible, AI Fellowship: moderately selective | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. Summer cohort : June 22
Eligibility: AI Scholars: all high school students | AI Fellowship: for students who have either prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI is a program founded by Harvard alumni that offers two core specialized programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program introduces fundamental AI concepts through hands-on projects and real-world applications. The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, a more advanced program, involves personalized mentorship with researchers from top academic institutions where you’ll develop a research project of your own, with support from Veritas AI’s editorial team. You can submit this project to student research journals. Another focused offering, the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, allows you to explore how AI tools are used in clinical contexts–from improving diagnostic imaging to assisting physicians in interpreting medical data.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-25%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective academic program that enables high school students to conduct independent research under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. This 12-week program is designed for students interested in building a strong foundation in academic research and pairs them one-on-one with a subject expert. By the end of the program, you’ll have completed a full research paper in a field of your choice, with topic areas ranging from STEM subjects like physics, chemistry, and engineering to social sciences including psychology, international relations, and economics. You can find more details about the application here.
3. University of Connecticut High School Student Research Apprentice Program
Location: UConn (Mansfield) or Central Connecticut State University (New Britain), CT
Cost/Stipend: Free | Provided (amount unspecified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: | 5-6 students
Dates: June 17–July 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Connecticut high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds | Completed high school with ‘B’ average or higher | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
University of Connecticut’s High School Research Program is designed for current 11th graders with a strong interest in dental medicine, medicine, or biomedical research. It provides a comprehensive lab experience over five weeks during the summer where you’ll be placed in a basic science or clinical research lab and contribute to ongoing research. You will be actively involved in projects, often learning techniques like cell culture and molecular biology and building foundational skills relevant to medical and dental fields. The program prioritizes applicants who have already been part of UConn’s educational pipeline initiatives, but all eligible students are considered.
4. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | None (for extenuating cases, daily bus/rail service expenses are covered)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective | Approximately 20 students
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically November every year
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 by the program’s start
Stanford’s STaRS Internship Program allows you to work directly with clinicians and researchers in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where you will gain exposure to topics that intersect with dental and craniofacial research. Paired with a mentor, you will participate in ongoing research that may involve tissue engineering, surgical outcomes, regenerative medicine, or patient-centered care models–areas closely tied to oral and maxillofacial health. The program is fully in-person and designed to give you practical insight into how research informs clinical decision-making in healthcare. You’ll collaborate with peers and engage in learning experiences that reflect real-world medical challenges.
5. Texas A&M University Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program (SPEP)
Location: Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free | Provided (amount unspecified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Likely to be low | Not specified
Dates: July 14–18
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Dallas high school sophomores and juniors with a minimum 2.75 GPA | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program is a one-week experience introducing both academic and practical aspects of dentistry to high school students. You’ll attend lectures on preclinical dentistry and engage in hands-on lab exercises using dental materials, helping you build familiarity with core tools and techniques. You’ll also take part in the “Investigation Dentistry” component, where you research a dental topic and present your findings to mentors and peers. A ‘Cultural Competency Seminar’ is part of the curriculum to help you consider how social and cultural factors shape patient care. The program covers costs of food, transport, and miscellaneous expenses, and provides clinic and laboratory supplies, notebooks, and instruction materials.
6. OHSU School of Dentistry Research Internship Program
Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free | Provided (amount unspecified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | $15/hour
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Research Internship Program at the OHSU School of Dentistry allows you to study topics related to dental, oral, and craniofacial research through a mentored experience lasting six to eight weeks. As a high school student, especially if you’re from a rural or underrepresented background in Oregon, you’ll participate in active scientific research while receiving guidance from a dedicated faculty mentor. You will prepare and deliver two oral presentations, one as part of a group analyzing a scientific article and another summarizing your individual project work. You’ll also take part in career-focused sessions and contribute to a final research showcase that highlights your findings.
7. Virginia Center for Orthodontics (VCO) Summer Internship
Location: Virginia Center of Orthodontics, Arlington, VI
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | 3 interns
Dates: One week between June and August with flexible dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
If you’re a high school student interested in orthodontics, the VCO Summer Internship is a solid program to enroll in since it focuses on both clinical concepts and professional pathways. During the program, you’ll observe orthodontic procedures, learn about materials used in braces, and gain exposure to diagnostic tools like panoramic X-rays and terminology related to malocclusions and oral pathology. As part of the internship, you’ll complete a thesis project in one of three areas: quality improvement, small business management, or patient experience. The curriculum also introduces you to infection control protocols and outlines the academic and residency steps required to become an orthodontist.
8. Harvard University’s MEDscience@HMS Dental
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $2,800 (Limited scholarships provided to students from the Boston area) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | 13 (selected last year)
Dates: July 21–25
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 at the time of application
The MEDscience@HMS Dental program allows you to dive into dentistry through a combination of simulation-based learning and clinical skill-building. Across one week, you’ll take on the role of a healthcare provider using interactive mannequins to assess and manage dental conditions that reflect real patient cases. Alongside these simulations, you’ll get experience with procedures such as suturing, tooth carving, impression-taking, and cavity preparation. The program also includes spending time at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where you’ll get to connect with current dental students and faculty. You will also meet professionals and Harvard’s dentals students who will share their dental field journeys and help you discover career paths.
9. Dental Research Experience (D-REX) Program at UMSOD
Location: Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free | Up to $5,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Not specified
Dates: June 2 (Section I) or June 16 (Section II) to August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified, but applications are currently open
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors enrolled in Maryland public high schools who have strong interests in STEM | Minimum GPA of 3.2 (cumulative)
If you are a Maryland high school student interested in dental and craniofacial research, you can apply to the D-REX Program, a full-time summer research experience supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Over nine weeks, you’ll be placed in a research lab and work one-on-one with a faculty mentor, focusing on a project related to oral health, biomedical science, or health disparities. About 80% of your time will be dedicated to hands-on lab research, while the remaining 20% will involve seminars and skill-building sessions on topics like research methods, ethics, and career development. You’ll gain practical insight into the field and contribute to ongoing research.
10. Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD) High School Dental Assistant Program
Location: Monmouth County, Hazlet, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: 2-year program that follows the standard high school academic calendar
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have 2 years to go until graduation
The MCVSD High School Dental Assistant Program provides a two-year, in-depth introduction to both clinical and administrative aspects of dentistry. You’ll work in a fully equipped dental lab while studying subjects such as oral anatomy, dental terminology, microbiology, and infection control. The program trains you in essential procedures like chair-side assisting, instrument preparation, sterilization, dental material mixing, and CPR. Each year, you’ll participate in a five-week internship at a dental office, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and office operations. Beyond technical training, the curriculum also includes exposure to dental ethics, office management, and opportunities for leadership and community service through activities like HOSA and field visits.
11. NYU Dentistry Saturday Academy
Location: NYU College of Dentistry, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | 55-70
Dates: 7 sessions between September—December
Application Deadline: July 7
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Sophomores and juniors strongly encouraged | Freshmen and seniors welcome
A fully funded option at a leading institution for those interested in getting a comprehensive peek into dentistry, the NYU Dentistry Saturday Academy is a biweekly, seven-session fall program covering clinical exposure, academic enrichment, and career preparation. You will take part in hands-on activities related to oral anatomy, oral pathology, wound healing, and dental specialties while also exploring topics like translational research, public health, and health equity. Throughout the course, you’ll be paired with mentors from NYU’s dental community who guide you through both academic content and professional development. The program also incorporates college readiness workshops, helping you build skills in resume writing, personal statements, and interviews.
12. Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program
Location: ADA Forsyth Institute, Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Minimum wage salary (35 hours/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 4-5% | 8-10 interns
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at the time of application in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program provides high school students based in Massachusetts the chance to conduct research in a professional lab environment focused on oral health, immunology, microbiology, and related fields. Throughout the internship, you’ll work on an independent research project while receiving direct mentorship from Forsyth faculty, gaining exposure to core lab techniques and real-world scientific inquiry. Each week, you’ll participate in lectures led by researchers and present your progress to peers and mentors, helping you build both communication and analytical skills. The program concludes with a formal poster presentation where you’ll share your research with members of the Boston-area scientific community.
13. Mini Dental School: Explorations in Dental Medicine at Tufts University
Location: Tufts University, Boston Health Sciences campus, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $3,525 + $100 Materials Fee (Limited need-based scholarships available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | Not specified
Dates: June 23–27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 or Spring graduates | 16 years of age by program start date | Taken 1 year of high school biology
The Mini Dental School: Explorations in Dental Medicine at Tufts University allows you to engage in clinical procedures and case studies and gain foundational knowledge in oral health. The one-week program introduces you to core topics such as human anatomy–especially the oral cavity–while giving you hands-on experience with techniques like cavity filling, plaque removal, and suturing under professional supervision. You’ll also analyze real patient cases and explore how oral health is connected to broader medical issues, building a more integrated understanding of dental medicine. Participants are also exposed to current dental technologies and engage in discussions on emerging practices in the field. The experience wraps up with a capstone project.
14. Decision for Dentistry: Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Location: Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | 45 students
Dates: Program 1: Phase I – October 7; Phase II – February 3; Phase III – April 21 |
Program 2: Phase I – October 21; Phase II – February 24; Phase III – April 21 |
Program 3: Phase I – November 11; Phase II – March 10; Phase III: April 21
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students
Looking for an in-depth introduction to dental careers? The Decision for Dentistry program at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine is a three-day experience for New Jersey high school students interested in the dental field. Through practical activities like taking dental impressions on manikins, observing clinical procedures chair-side, and engaging with current dental students and faculty, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of both the academic and practical sides of dental education. The program also conducts a panel discussion with dental professionals from various specialties and an admissions symposium for you and your family.
15. Anchor Future Dentist Program
Location: Anchor Family Dentistry, Commerce Township, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | Not specified
Dates: 1 week during the summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 11–12
The Anchor Future Dentist Program gives high school juniors and seniors a chance to explore dental health studies through a blend of clinical observation and practical exercises. Over a week, you’ll begin by shadowing a licensed dentist and observing patient interactions, procedures, and the day-to-day responsibilities of dental professionals, all while learning about essential concepts like HIPAA and patient confidentiality. Later in the program, you’ll participate in hands-on sessions where you’ll practice taking impressions on a typodont and learn how to create stone models, introducing you to basic lab techniques used in dental care. In addition to clinical exposure, the program also provides mentoring on how to navigate the dental school application process.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Rutgers University