Download pdf - UDM School of Dentistry - University of Detroit Mercy

DIVERSITYDental Imprint ProgramExplore a career in dentistry! The Dental ImprintProgram was established in 2009 to serve as a pipelineprogram for local middle school and high schoolstudents interested in the field. The goal of the program is toexpose Detroit-area students to careers in dentistry, while alsopromoting excellence in oral health. Under the direction ofDr. Deirdre Young, over 800 students from public, privateand charter school sectors have been exposed to the healthprofession. Each year, ten schools participate.The program starts with an informational presentation ateach school. Participants are then able to tour the School ofDentistry and observe the gross anatomy lab, while alsopartaking in the simulation lab with hands-on activities.The program is made possible through funding from theU.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, theW.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Michigan Area Health EducationCenter, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Withouttheir continued support, the School would not be able tocreate opportunities for local youth to gain the experienceneeded to explore the exciting profession.Dr. Deirdre Young lectures local high school students in the gross anatomy labUrban Impressions,A Youth InitiativeIn April, selected eighth grade students from Spain ElementarySchool in Detroit, MI were selected to experience the excitementof a day in dental school. Through “Urban Impressions, A YouthInitiative” the students were able to interact with dental anddental hygiene students, faculty and staff as they toured thefacilities. Faculty took the time to share their stories andoffered insight into choosing a career in dentistry.Dr. Melanie Mayberryworks with studentsinterested in pursuinga career in dentistrythrough the UrbanImpressions programThe workshop included a tour of the clinic, dental library,gross anatomy class, and dental simulation laboratory. Whilein the simulation laboratory, students were able to participatein hands-on activities, such as creating impressions.This year, the third cohort completed the program, with overseventy-six students collectively participating. The initiativeincludes a two-year mentoring program designed to address thegrowing concerns of racial and ethnic under-representation byminorities in various health professions.For more information on “Urban Impressions, A Youth Initiative”please contact Dr. Mayberry at mayberme@udmercy.edu.WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 25