Preprofessional Opportunities

University of Detroit, Mercy School of Dentistry - Summer Enrichment Program

Details

Category: Summer
Type: Dental
Location: Detroit Michigan
Deadline: Mid February

Contact

Eligibility

Junior or Senior year of college, or recently graduated (within the last 5 years) and have completed the necessary science coursework to take the DAT after SEP. Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in dentistry and improving the health of underserved patient populations. Have a minimum of 2.75 GPA. Note: The most competitive applicants will have completed all of the following courses. However, only 1 semester of the following is required to be qualified: Two (2) semesters of biology labs; Two (2) semesters of inorganic chemistry with labs; Two (2) semesters of organic chemistry with labs; One (1) semester of physics; One (1) semester of college-level Mathematics; One (1) semester of English Composition Be a U.S. citizen, Permanent resident, individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) or have the appropriate documentation to apply to dental school. Identify as one or more of the following: Underrepresented Racial Minority (URM) in the field of dentistry -- Individuals who identify as Black/African-American, American Indian/Native American/Alaska Native, Latino/Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and/or belonging to certain Asian subpopulations (other than Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian, or Thai). Educationally Disadvantaged –Individuals who attended a Title I high school with a high percentage of low-income students and/or received a secondary education that falls below district standards, inhibiting the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a health professions school AND/OR the first in your family to attend and graduate from a four-year college/university

Description

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) aims to assist students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds with gaining admission to dental school, and encourages participants to become practicing dentists in medically underserved areas. Because the dental admission test (DAT) and lengthy application process can be considered an obstacle in applying to dental school, SEP was developed to make the participants more competitive and qualified applicants. SEP is a facilitated entry program that provides educational and professional development experiences to assist the participants with matriculating into and graduating from dental school, and to provide them with resources and support for succeeding in their future careers in Dentistry.  

SEP is a  9-week (4 weeks self-pace and 5 week in-person) structured program that offers free housing and DAT Preparation, and a stipend to cover sustenance and travel expenses. Various educational and professional development experiences will be afforded to participants, including financial aid information, admissions counseling, dental school application assistance, academic success and professional development sessions, and cultural competency training. The participants will also be exposed to clinical experiences and other aspects of dental education including simulation lab activities, dental specialty panels, and primary care exposure. In order to foster a welcoming environment, provide mentoring opportunities, and expose them to the city of Detroit, SEP will also coordinate several social events for participants including trips to museums and sporting events, tours of the surrounding area, and networking luncheons and dinners with UDMSD students, staff, faculty, and alumni, along with local dentists in the community.