Preliminary internship
The preliminary intern ("prelim") is generally a candidate who did not match in the MATCH program or applied too late to match, or did not apply this year for OMFS residency. The prelim's primary role is to assist in the outpatient clinic within the school teaching dental students and performing procedures, but will also take hospital calls, cover hospital clinics, assist in the operating room and participate in all resident academic activities as a PGY-1 resident.
Although this position has no direct correlation to admittance to the VCU/MCV OMFS Residency Program, the vast majority of our previous prelims who have shown good effort have matched to an OMFS residency somewhere.
Apply
We encourage interested preliminary intern candidates to apply in the fall, with preference given to those who apply prior to October 31st, 2026.
Interested candidates should submit a copy of their PASS application as well as a letter of intent. The letter of intent must address your plans and goals for the remainder of the school year as well as for your preliminary intern year, including but not limited to:
- If you plan on retaking the CBSE and if so, when
- What kind of program you are looking for
- Intentions for re-applying the following year and how you plan to strengthen your application for the next match cycle
If you do not have a PASS application, please submit the following:
- Current CV, including address, phone number, email, GPA, class rank, and CBSE Score
- 2 letters of recommendation, preferably from full-time OMFS faculty
- Copy of any board scores taken
- Copy of your dental or medical school transcripts
- A 2x2 photo for identification purposes
- A letter of intent, as mentioned above
All documentation should be submitted via email with the subject line “Last Name, First Name 2026-2027 Preliminary Intern Application” to:
Dr. Yotom Rabinowitz
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
omfsrescoord@vcu.edu
Phone: (804) 828-0602