MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The S.M.I.L.E. (Pupil Mentoring with Immersive Studying and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program, a frontrunner in advancing oral well being fairness, is happy to announce the addition of a number of outstanding organizations as supporters of its mission to construct a extra inclusive healthcare workforce by recruiting college students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to enter the dental occupation.
The founding companions of S.M.I.L.E. “ Henry Schein , Inc. (Nasdaq: NASDAQ:), the Nationwide Dental Affiliation (NDA), and the Schattner Basis “ are delighted to welcome the next organizations as supporting companions for the 2024 S.M.I.L.E. Program: the Hispanic Dental Affiliation; the Society of American Indian Dentists; Meharry Medical School College of Dentistry; A.T. Nonetheless College’s Arizona College of Dentistry & Oral Well being; and, A.T. Nonetheless College’s Missouri College of Dentistry & Oral Well being. Working collectively, these companions search to advance the core mission of cultivating a various and proficient next-generation of African-American, Hispanic, and American Indian dental professionals, finally guaranteeing a extra equitable dental panorama.
The S.M.I.L.E. Program engages rising ninth and Tenth-grade college students by offering an introduction to the various thrilling profession alternatives obtainable throughout the oral well being occupation. By way of a week-long immersive expertise, individuals acquire publicity to the varied roles inside dental groups, together with helping, hygiene, and dentistry, together with insights into numerous follow fashions and trade positions.
Program highlights embody:
- Mentorship: Devoted dental professionals present helpful steering and share their experience with college students.
- Fingers-On Studying: Members interact in real-world procedures, growing sensible abilities essential for future dental careers.
- Profession Pathway Publicity: College students discover a variety of dental profession choices, facilitating knowledgeable decisions about their skilled path.
- Collaboration & Networking: College students will meet fellow rising ninth and Tenth-graders from across the nation, growing social abilities and constructing relationships for a lifetime.
- Capstone Challenge: This system culminates in a capstone venture, permitting college students to showcase their learnings by means of a tangible presentation.
2024 Program Particulars
The 2024 S.M.I.L.E. Program will happen from July 7 to 12 at Meharry Medical School College of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee. To study extra concerning the Program and look at highlights from 2023 individuals, please watch this video.
For extra details about the Program, please go to the official S.M.I.L.E. Program web site: https://ndaonline.org/smile-program.
PARTNER TESTIMONIALS
Cherae Farmer-Dixon, DDS, MSPH, MBA, FACD, FICD
Dean, Meharry College of Dentistry
Becoming a member of forces with Meharry College of Dentistry by means of our partnership with Henry Schein signifies a dedication to revolutionizing oral healthcare entry. This collaboration isn’t just about dental care; it is about empowering communities, bridging gaps in healthcare fairness, and fostering a brighter, more healthy future for all. Collectively, we goal to redefine the requirements of care, break down obstacles, and encourage a brand new era of dental professionals devoted to serving the underserved.
Moreover, it is noteworthy that 27% of the presently practising African American dentists within the U.S. are Meharry Medical School graduates. Applications equivalent to this partnership not solely spotlight our dedication to variety within the area but additionally function a beacon of inspiration for the following era of people, encouraging them to think about dentistry as a rewarding and impactful profession path. By way of our joint efforts, we aspire to extend illustration, enhance entry to high quality care, and finally, remodel lives.
Dr. Nicole Cheek, one hundredth President of the Nationwide Dental Affiliation
“Being part of the S.M.I.L.E. Pathway Program is about reworking the lives of scholars and attaining a future the place they will thrive in dentistry and oral well being, no matter their backgrounds. In a world the place entry to alternatives is unequal, applications like S.M.I.L.E. are wanted to bridge the hole and empower people to achieve their full potential. By way of mentorship, schooling, and help, S.M.I.L.E. goals to domesticate leaders who will make optimistic impacts in oral well being, their communities and past.”
Maria S. Gomez, Board Member, Schattner Basis
The Schattner Basis is dedicated to supporting the following era of dental practitioners who come from underrepresented communities all through the nation. Our intention in collaborating with our recommendation and assets is to assist help a powerful and lasting program that over time will ship on the promise of recruiting highschool college students into dental careers who will follow in neighborhoods the place oral well being is most wanted.
Pam Richter, Director, Company Affairs and Inclusion, Henry Schein and Co-Lead, S.M.I.L.E. Program Director
Henry Schein, alongside our distinguished companions, is happy to construct on the S.M.I.L.E. program’s success. This initiative empowers numerous college students to pursue healthcare careers by means of mentorship and immersive studying, aiming to enhance well being fairness in underserved communities. With the extra help from our companions, we’ll interact 40 college students this yr, igniting their ardour for healthcare and creating lasting change.
Christina Meiners D.D.S, F.I.C.D, Hispanic Dental Affiliation Previous President, Interim Government Director
The Hispanic Dental Affiliation is happy to collaborate on this effort to assist improve entry to and consciousness of careers in dentistry and healthcare. We perceive the ability a various healthcare supplier has on bettering the well being of our communities and the affect a program like this has on creating alternatives for our youth. With this partnership we hope to create a community of help for college kids who wish to study extra about this wonderful occupation.
Ruth Wauqua Bol DDS MPD ICD, (Comanche), Society of American Indian Dentists Previous President, 2011-2013
“The Society of American Indian Dentists is honored to collaborate on the S.M.I.L.E. oral well being pathway summer season enrichment program. Our American Indian and Alaska Native inhabitants continues to expertise the best charges of unmet dental want within the nation. This distinctive alternative permits us to introduce American Indian and Alaska Native highschool college students to the sector of dentistry. It’s our sincerest hope that this expertise will assist easy the pathway to dental faculty so these college students can at some point present care in our communities.”
Clinton Normore, MBA, Vice President, Range & Inclusion, MOSDOH & ASDOH Teacher, A.T. Nonetheless College
ATSU has a historical past of offering entry and alternative for marginalized populations. Partnerships like this are important for bettering workforce variety and bettering well being outcomes. We goal for this partnership to interact, energize, and nurture younger minds in direction of a healthcare profession.
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Ann Marie Gothard
Vice President, World Company Media Relations
[email protected]
(631) 390-8169
Supply: Henry Schein, Inc.