The S.M.I.L.E. (Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program, a leader in advancing oral health equity, is thrilled to announce the addition of several prominent organizations as supporters of its mission to foster a more inclusive healthcare workforce by recruiting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds into the dental profession.
The founding partners of S.M.I.L.E. – Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), 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. Together, these partners aim 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.
Program Highlights:
- 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 paths.
- Collaboration & Networking: Students meet fellow rising 9th and 10th graders from around the country, developing social skills and building lifelong relationships.
- 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, Tennessee. To learn more about the program and view highlights from 2023 participants, please watch this video.
Partner Testimonials:
Cherae Farmer-Dixon, DDS, MSPH, MBA, FACD, FICD, Dean, Meharry School of Dentistry:
“Joining forces with Meharry School of Dentistry through our partnership with Henry Schein signifies a commitment to revolutionizing oral healthcare access. This collaboration is not just about dental care; it’s about empowering communities, bridging gaps in healthcare equity, and fostering a brighter, healthier future for all. Together, we aim to redefine the standards of care, break down barriers, and inspire a new generation of dental professionals dedicated to serving the underserved. Notably, 27% of the currently practicing African American dentists in the U.S. are Meharry Medical College graduates. Programs such as this partnership highlight our commitment to diversity in the field and serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation, encouraging them to consider dentistry as a rewarding and impactful career path.”
Dr. Nicole Cheek, 100th President of the National Dental Association:
“Being a part of the S.M.I.L.E. Pathway Program is about transforming the lives of students and achieving a future where they can thrive in dentistry and oral health, regardless of their backgrounds. In a world where access to opportunities is unequal, programs like S.M.I.L.E. bridge the gap and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Through mentorship, education, and support, S.M.I.L.E. aims to cultivate leaders who will make positive impacts in oral health, their communities, and beyond.”
Maria S. Gomez, Board Member, Schattner Foundation:
“The Schattner Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of dental practitioners who come from underrepresented communities throughout the country. Our participation with advice and resources aims to help support a strong and lasting program that recruits high school students into dental careers, ultimately serving neighborhoods where oral health is most needed.”
Pam Richter, Director, Corporate Affairs and Inclusion, Henry Schein, and Co-Lead, S.M.I.L.E. Program Director:
“Henry Schein, alongside our distinguished partners, is excited to build on the S.M.I.L.E. program’s success. This initiative empowers diverse students to pursue healthcare careers through mentorship and immersive learning, aiming to improve health equity in underserved communities. With additional support from our partners, we will engage 40 students this year, igniting their passion for healthcare and creating lasting change.”
Christina Meiners, DDS, FICD, Hispanic Dental Association Past President, Interim Executive Director:
“The Hispanic Dental Association is excited to collaborate in this effort to increase access to and awareness of careers in dentistry and healthcare. We understand the power of a diverse healthcare provider in improving community health and the influence a program like this has in creating opportunities for our youth. With this partnership, we hope to create a support network for students interested in this amazing profession.”
Ruth Wauqua Bol, DDS, MPD, ICD, (Comanche), Society of American Indian Dentists Past President, 2011-2013:
“The Society of American Indian Dentists is honored to collaborate on the S.M.I.L.E. oral health pathway summer enrichment program. Our American Indian and Alaska Native population continues to experience the highest rates of unmet dental need in the country. This unique opportunity allows us to introduce American Indian and Alaska Native high school students to the field of dentistry. We hope this experience will smooth the pathway to dental school so these students can one day provide care in our communities.”
