Barcelona to New Jersey

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) has externship programs with universities worldwide, including Albania, Spain, Ireland, Chile, and India. Paula Bota Carbonell came to RSDM from Barcelona, Spain, for two weeks to get a glimpse of American dental education. She answered our questions, reflecting on her time.

What degree are you pursuing in Barcelona, and which year are you in the program?

I’m in my fourth year of the Dentistry program at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) in Barcelona.

Why were you interested in doing this externship program at RSDM?

I wanted to participate in the didactic and clinical externship program at RSDM to experience different dental methodologies and practices in another country. I was also particularly interested in learning more about the international program that allows foreign-trained dentists to receive their degrees in the U.S. When we arrived, we were introduced to this program in more detail, and it really caught my attention. I returned home even more motivated to finish my last year and a half of dental school so that I could later pursue that opportunity.

What were some of the things you did here at the school?

At RSDM, we had the chance to observe dental students in the clinic performing treatments such as fillings, prosthodontics, and more. We also took the opportunity to join orthodontic residents, as I am particularly passionate about orthodontics. Additionally, my colleague Laura [from Barcelona] and I, who both love surgical procedures, observed periodontal surgeries, including implant placements, which was an incredible learning experience.

How did your time at RSDM contribute to your studies?

This experience broadened my perspective on different approaches to dental education and clinical practice. It also helped me realize that I would love to continue my professional journey in the U.S. after finishing my degree in Spain. One of the highlights was being able to shadow orthodontic and periodontal specialists, which reaffirmed my passion for these fields.

Any last thoughts?

I would just add how welcoming and supportive everyone at RSDM was. The faculty and students were always open to sharing their knowledge, making this experience even more valuable. It was truly inspiring, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.