Dental News – S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program announces strategic expansion with leading dental industry partners

The S.M.I.L.E. (Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program, a leader in advancing oral health equity, is pleased to announce the addition of several prominent organizations as supporters of its mission to build a more inclusive healthcare workforce by recruiting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to enter the dental profession.

The founding partners of S.M.I.L.E. — Henry Schein, the National Dental Association (NDA) and the Schattner Foundation — are delighted to welcome the following organizations as supporting partners for the 2024 S.M.I.L.E. Program: the Hispanic Dental Association; the Society of American Indian Dentists; Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry; A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health; and A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health.

Working together, these partners seek to advance the core mission of cultivating a diverse and talented next-generation of African-American, Hispanic and American Indian dental professionals, ultimately ensuring a more equitable dental landscape.

The S.M.I.L.E. Program engages rising 9^th and 10^th-grade students by providing an introduction to the many exciting career opportunities available within the oral health profession. Through a week-long immersive experience, participants gain exposure to the diverse roles within dental teams, including assisting, hygiene and dentistry, along with insights into various practice models and industry positions.

Program highlights include:

Mentorship: Dedicated dental professionals provide valuable guidance and share their expertise with students.
Hands-On Learning: Participants engage in real-world procedures, developing practical skills crucial for future dental careers.
Career Pathway Exposure: Students explore a wide range of dental career options, facilitating informed choices about their professional path.
Collaboration & Networking: Students will meet fellow rising 9^th and 10^th-graders from around the country, developing social skills and building relationships for a lifetime.
Capstone Project: The program culminates in a capstone project, allowing students to showcase their learnings through a tangible presentation.

2024 Program Details

The 2024 S.M.I.L.E. Program will take place from July 7 to 12 at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tenn. For more information about the program, visit the official S.M.I.L.E. website: ndaonline.org/smile-program.