Pipeline Programs
Through commitment to serving the underserved, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion aims to address the shortage of dentists from under-resourced and disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing on facilitating and retaining students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. Entry into the health professions by under-resourced populations, in proportion to their number in society, helps to alleviate health care provider shortages areas as the likelihood of underserved populations gaining access to care if there are an increased number of minority providers.
We are dedicated to encouraging and recruiting under-resourced populations for careers in dentistry and oral health. We do this through a variety of invaluable academic enrichment opportunities. Our experiential programs vary widely in nature, all with the common goal to help interested candidates successfully apply to dental school. We focus on improving science aptitude and enhancing academic skills, but also offer first-hand exposure to the profession and research experiences. See our programs for more information:
Our Programs
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Future Smilemakers: Grades K-12
Duration:
1 day
Program Overview:
- Dental services provided by Detroit Mercy Dental Titans for Teeth/Shield a Smile Mobile Clinics
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Age-appropriate "Careers in Dentistry" presentations
- Booklets about succeeding in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers and supplemental education materials
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Lessons in a Lunchbox: Grades 1-2
Duration:
1 day
Program Overview:
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Dental care kids
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Urban Impressions: Grades 7-8
Duration:
2 years
Program Overview:
- "Careers in Dentistry" and other presentations about the health professions
- Mentoring from faculty/professionals
- Field trips to Detroit Mercy Dental with tour, including gross anatomy and simulation laboratory activities
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Dental Imprint: Grades 9-12
Duration:
2 days
Program Overview:
- "Careers in Dentistry" presentation, in conjunction with Future Smilemakers
- Field trips to Detroit Mercy Dental with tour, including gross anatomy and simulation laboratory activities
- Admissions, financial aid, and cultural competency workshops
Learn more, here.
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Wayne State C2 Pipeline Warriors College Experience Program - Grade 12
Duration:
12 days
- Exposure to college life
- Seminars on study skills, time management, conflict resolution
- Hands-on activities and dental education at Detroit Mercy Dental
- Interprofessional team project focused on Diabetes
For more information, visit: c2pipeline.wayne.edu/summer/
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Seven-Year Dental Program: Detroit Mercy Undergraduates
Duration:
7 years
Program Overview:
- Accelerated pathway into Detroit Mercy Dental after high-school
- Obtain bachelor's degree in Science or Chemistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Pre-dental academic enrichment and psychosocial support
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SNDA Impressions Day: Undergraduate Students
Duration:
1 day
Program Overview:
- Admissions and financial aid workshops
- Tour of School of Dentistry and simulation lab activities
- Networking with students, faculty, and alumni
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Summer Enrichment Program (SEP): College Juniors/Seniors, Recent Graduates
Duration:
32 days
Program Overview:
- Personalized assistance with admissions process
- Complimentary DAT preparation
- Primary care exposure and simulation lab activities
- Admissions, financial aid, professional development, and cultural competency seminars
- Residential program with social and networking events
*Stipend for SEP participants, with housing and travel support
Learn more, here.
Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
Undergraduate/Recent Graduates: SEP provides educational and professional development experiences for underrepresented minorities and/or disadvantaged students so they can successfully gain admission into dental school and pursue a career in dentistry.
Dental Imprint Program
K-12 Students: The Dental Imprint Program offers preliminary dental education, primary care exposure and a complete tour of the School of Dentistry.