Northeastern University Co-op Program at Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
At Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we are proud to participate in the Northeastern University Co-op Program by offering motivated students a meaningful, hands-on learning experience in a real clinical setting. Our six-month co-op experience is designed to immerse students in the daily operations of a modern prosthodontic practice, helping them build practical skills, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of dentistry as a career.
Co-op students become integrated members of our team, gaining exposure to advanced dental technology, patient care, and complex restorative cases while working closely with experienced clinicians and staff. Through this experience, students are able to explore dentistry firsthand, strengthen their foundation for future academic and professional pursuits, and better understand the dedication and teamwork required to deliver exceptional patient care.
Smileboston Reflections
Alexi, a co-op student:
When I started my six-month co-op at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, I already had some experience working as a dental assistant from a previous co-op. While that gave me a foundation in dentistry, my time at Smileboston allowed me to take on more responsibility, learn new skills, and gain a much deeper understanding of what it means to care for patients.
My favorite part of working at Smileboston was definitely the patients. The patient base is amazing, and because many of them have been coming to the office for years, you really get the chance to build relationships with them. One of the things I admired most was watching Dr. Spitz interact with his patients. He genuinely knows every single one of them, not just their dental history, but their families, careers, hobbies, and what is going on in their lives. It showed me that great dentistry is about so much more than procedures. It is about building trust and treating people the way they want and deserve to be treated.
Because this was my second co-op, I was able to dive deeper into the clinical side of dentistry. I had the opportunity to assist in complex prosthodontic and implant procedures, learn Exocad, design my own crowns digitally, and print them in the lab. The amount I learned over six months is hard to put into words. From clinical skills and digital dentistry to patient interaction, teamwork, and working in a fast paced environment, I grew in so many ways.
I also joined the office at a time when several team members were new, which brought its own challenges but also made the experience even more rewarding. Everyone brought different ideas and perspectives, and I loved being part of a team that was always looking for ways to improve, adapt, and make the office even better for both patients and staff.
Looking back, my co-op at Smileboston was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. I am so grateful to Dr. Spitz and the entire team for taking the time to teach, mentor, and support me every day. The skills and relationships I gained here have not only prepared me for dental school, but have also shaped the kind of dentist I hope to become.
Brooke, a second year co-op student:
I have chosen to complete my six-month co-op experience at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry as an on-the-job trained Dental Assistant. Although I was entirely new to dentistry when I began, Smileboston has provided a supportive and engaging learning environment that has allowed me to grow and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Early on, I assisted in only a few procedures each week while learning essential skills such as sterilization, using Dentrix, and operating the advanced technology available at Smileboston. Now, I feel confident in my foundation as a Dental Assistant and am excited to continue learning in this evolving field.
Smileboston offers co-op students a very unique experience. As a prosthodontic office with a lower patient volume, the practice handles many complex cases and allows us to form meaningful connections with patients. While the team hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., the schedule requires consistent energy. With a small and collaborative team, we support one another to deliver the best possible patient experience.
When I first started, I encountered a steep learning curve as I absorbed an overwhelming amount of new information. Although it was at times frustrating, the intensity of that initial adjustment ultimately helped me adapt quickly and integrate fully into the environment.
Having the opportunity to learn from and work with such a talented team has shaped my mindset toward dentistry and prepared me well for both the remainder of my co-op experience and my future in the professional field. The skills, discipline, and adaptability I have developed at Smileboston will continue to guide me as I advance in my academic and professional journey.
