University of California San Francisco
Student life at UCSF School of Dentistry
Your experience at UCSF School of Dentistry is about more than just your academic life—it’s also about making lifelong friends, building community, exploring new hobbies, and growing your skills. Whether that means joining a student organization, getting involved with the local community, or accessing career and wellness resources, we’ve got something for everyone.
Student support and extracurricular activities
We’re committed to offering inclusive programs and resources to support students and the organizations they establish on campus. Here are some of the things you can expect from Student Life at UCSF: dozens of dentistry-focused organizations, fitness and recreational sports programs, wellness services, career guidance, support services for veterans, individuals with disabilities, first-generation students, and a whole lot more.
Get support, grow your career
UCSF offers personalized, holistic support for all students throughout their time at UCSF. This includes career and professional development, academic resources, and comprehensive mental and physical health services.
Office of Career and Professional Development
We teach students the professional skills they’ll need to succeed in their careers. We do this through campus-run programs, services, grant-funded initiatives, and specialized resources tailored to biomedical trainees.
School of Dentistry Learner Success Center
Our one-stop shop is here to support potential applicants, current students, faculty, and staff. We can answer any questions you might have about admissions and outreach, curriculum support, and student services.
Wellness Services
We offer safe and confidential health care for all students. In addition, we provide mental health support and can discuss any concerns you may have in your personal, academic, and professional life.
On- and off-campus accommodations
Housing Services is committed to providing access to safe and well-maintained housing for its residents. Whether you want to live on-campus or in a nearby neighborhood, we’ll help you find accommodation that feels like home.
On-campus residences
- Communities around our Parnassus Heights, Mount Zion, and Mission Bay campuses
Off-campus housing support
- Rental options, apartment-hunter resources & home buying
Get the financial support you need
Pursuing a dental career is a major investment, and UCSF is here to help you find scholarships, get connected with work-study programs, and discover additional funding options that make enrollment both achievable and less stressful.
The UCSF Student Financial Services Office offers comprehensive resources to help students understand and manage the cost of their education through the following options:
- Scholarships and grants
- Loan information
- Work-study and assistantships
Get involved and make a difference
The School of Dentistry offers a variety of programs that allow students to pursue research, volunteer opportunities, and find meaningful work in the community.
Get involved in research
At UCSF, we provide students with the chance to work alongside leading researchers. It’s a great intro to a career in academia and also allows students to investigate important topics and learn the methods, tools, and language of science.
Our Community Dental Clinic: a chance to give back
Volunteer at our Community Dental Clinic to support the needs of our community and gain important, real-world experience working alongside experienced UCSF School of Dentistry faculty.
Off-campus externships
Get on-the-job clinical experience in rural and urban locations across the US. Our externships will give you the opportunity to work with underserved communities during this six-week program.