Virtual Externship Programs Can Serve as a Viable Alternative to In-Person Externship Experiences in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to describe a model for a virtual externship program in oral and maxillofacial surgery; to quantify the value of a virtual externship in increasing understanding of the program structure, scope, and commitment to diversity; and to offer qualitative feedback on structural components. DESIGN A retrospective study was completed comparing dental student perceptions of an oral and maxillofacial surgery program and the virtual externship experience prior to and following an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency virtual externship event. An electronic survey was distributed to registrants and included 25 questions: 5 related to demographics, 17 ascertaining understanding of various components of the residency and perception of virtual externships, and 3 text-based response queries. RESULTS Of the 167 attendees, 125 individuals completed the pre-externship survey and 50 completed the postexternship survey for a response rate of 74.8 and 29.9% respectively. Respondents of both surveys included 30 men and 20 women, aged 18 to 34, at various stages of dental school training and of various ethnic backgrounds. All externs reported an interest in participating in virtual externships if offered by oral and maxillofacial surgery programs. Understanding of scope of practice, daily activities of the program and residents, living in Ann Arbor, relationship between residents and with faculty, and program structure demonstrated a significant increase (P < .001). Perceived commitment to diversity and respect for people of different races, cultures, and backgrounds also showed a significant increase following the event (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A virtual externship can successfully duplicate many of the most valuable components of an in-person externship to allow enhanced understanding and interest in the residency program and can incorporate novel components otherwise not possible in an-person externship.