Pathway Programs Prepare Students for Dental Careers

USA: The University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is making significant strides in addressing the underrepresentation of certain groups in the dental profession. Through its innovative pathway programs, the school is providing crucial support and preparation for students from diverse backgrounds who aspire to become dentists.

Two key initiatives, the Destination Dental School (DDS) and the Native American Pre-Dental Gateway to Dentistry Program, recently hosted a combined in-person event from June 23-27, 2024. The programs attracted 31 college and post-baccalaureate students, including 21 Indigenous students who were attending a nearby conference of the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID).

Hands-on Experience and Comprehensive Preparation

Participants in these programs receive a wealth of practical experience and guidance. Activities include observing dental procedures, learning clinical skills, and preparing for the rigours of dental school applications.

Eliese Maybee, a recent University of Buffalo graduate and program participant, highlighted the value of the experience: “It gave me insight on the application process, the confidence to apply and constructive feedback on what I need to do to strengthen my application.”

The programs also provide financial support, offering stipends for travel and lodging, reimbursement for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and a waived application fee to the UB dental school.

Addressing the Shortage of Native American Dentists

A particular focus of these initiatives is to increase the number of Native American dentists. Francis Kim, the student program manager for SAID, emphasised this need: “There is a dearth of Native American dentists, and we would like to remedy that through support and encouragement.”

Maybee, who grew up on a Seneca Nation reservation, exemplifies the potential impact of these programs. She aims to address the critical need for dental care in rural and Indigenous communities, stating, “I have five younger sisters and want to help them and others who have little or no access to health care.”

National Recognition for Diversity Efforts

The University of Buffalo’s commitment to diversity in dental education has not gone unnoticed. The school was recently awarded the Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Prize by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This prestigious recognition came with a $100,000 prize and acknowledges the school’s exceptional dedication to fostering DEIA within research environments.

Furthermore, the Destination Dental School program received both the Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine in 2023.

Looking to the Future

As these programs continue to evolve and expand, they promise to play a crucial role in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future for the dental profession. By providing targeted support and opportunities for underrepresented students, the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is not only changing individual lives but also addressing broader issues of healthcare access and equity in underserved communities.

Jessica Scates, director of operations in the dental school’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, summed up the impact of these programs: “Our participants are amazing. Over the past six weeks, they were extremely engaged in all our programming, with many ready to apply to dental school this summer.”

As more students like Eliese Maybee pursue their dreams of becoming dentists, the ripple effects of these initiatives are likely to be felt in communities across the country for years to come.