Gap Year Program · Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery
Launch Your Healthcare Experience with One of Minnesota's Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Practices
Are you planning to attend medical or dental school, a physician assistant or nurse practitioner program, or another advanced healthcare professional program?
12–24 Months
Full-time clinical commitment
Surgeon Mentorship
Direct guidance from board-certified surgeons
First Cohort 2027
Applications now open
The Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery Gap Year Program is designed for motivated college graduates seeking an exceptional clinical experience before beginning professional school.
This is far more than a traditional position. It is a structured, hands-on program that provides direct patient care experience, physician mentorship, and exposure to advanced surgical procedures that few healthcare practices can offer. As a member of our clinical team, you will work alongside board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons while gaining the knowledge, confidence, and experience that will prepare you for the next stage of your healthcare career.
Why Choose MNOFS?
Experience Healthcare At The Intersection Of Medicine, Dentistry, Surgery, And Anesthesia
Our Gap Year participants gain firsthand experience with the full scope of oral and maxillofacial care.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Dental implant surgery
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Intravenous (IV) sedation and anesthesia
- Surgical assisting and sterile technique
- Patient assessment and clinical documentation
- Cone Beam CT imaging
- Surgical instrumentation and sterilization
- Healthcare teamwork and professionalism
- Practice operations and patient experience
This experience provides a unique foundation that few clinical positions can match.
What You'll Do
As a Gap Year participant, you will become an essential member of our surgical team
Clinical Responsibilities
- Welcome and prepare patients for examinations and surgical procedures
- Obtain medical histories and record vital signs
- Assist surgeons during office-based surgical procedures
- Prepare treatment rooms and maintain sterile technique
- Set up and organize surgical instruments and equipment
- Monitor patient flow throughout the day
- Provide pre-operative and post-operative patient education
- Document clinical information in the electronic medical record
- Assist with Cone Beam CT imaging and diagnostic records
- Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control standards
Administrative Responsibilities
- Schedule patient appointments and follow-up visits
- Assist with patient communications
- Maintain clinical inventory and supplies
- Support daily office operations
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives
Professional Development Opportunities
Our goal is to help prepare you for a successful career in healthcare
Participants may receive opportunities for:
- Direct mentorship from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Career guidance from experienced healthcare professionals
- Exposure to complex surgical procedures
- Insight into private practice medicine
- Opportunities to strengthen professional school applications
- Letters of recommendation for outstanding performers
- Coaching on interviewing and professional development
Who We're Looking For
We seek exceptional individuals
- Planning to apply to medical, dental, PA, nursing, or other healthcare professional schools
- Passionate about patient care
- Curious and eager to learn
- Dependable and professional
- Compassionate and team-oriented
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment
- Strong communicators with excellent interpersonal skills
Qualifications
What you'll need to apply
Required
- Bachelor's degree completed prior to employment
- Intention to pursue a healthcare professional career
- Strong academic record
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 months (18–24 months preferred)
Preferred
- Previous patient care, healthcare, or customer service experience
- CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Biology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Neuroscience, Psychology, or related majors
No prior certification is required — comprehensive on-the-job training is provided.
What You'll Gain
By the end of the program, participants will have developed:
01
Extensive direct patient care experience
02
Confidence working in a surgical environment
03
Strong clinical communication skills
04
A deep understanding of healthcare professionalism
05
Experience working closely with physicians and surgical teams
06
Skills that distinguish applicants to professional schools
Benefits
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly compensation
- Paid training
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Health and wellness benefits (for eligible employees)
- Uniform allowance
- Continuing education and professional development
- Mentorship from experienced surgeons and clinical leaders
- A collaborative, supportive team environment
About Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery
Minnesota's leading oral and maxillofacial surgery practices
Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery is one of the region’s leading oral and maxillofacial surgery practices, providing advanced surgical care throughout the Twin Cities. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, oral pathology, bone grafting, and office-based anesthesia.
We are committed to delivering exceptional patient care while helping develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.
If you are looking for a meaningful gap year that will prepare you for a lifetime in healthcare, we encourage you to apply.
Apply Now
Gap Year Program Application
Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
Questions about the Gap Year Program? Contact our office directly.