In an ambitious drive to diversify the dental profession and empower underrepresented high school students, a groundbreaking partnership has been announced between Henry Schein, Inc., the National Dental Association (NDA), and the Schattner Foundation. The collaborative effort is set to present the 2024 S.M.I.L.E. (Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program, an initiative that has ignited enthusiasm within the health and dental communities for its potential to open doors for aspiring dental professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Scheduled to take place from July 7 to 11, 2024, at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Nashville, TN, the S.M.I.L.E. Program is now accepting applications, eagerly inviting participation from motivated high school students in the 9th and 10th grades. The program’s rich tapestry of partners, including the Hispanic Dental Association, the Society of American Indian Dentists, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and the A.T. Still University’s dental schools in Arizona and Missouri, underscores its commitment to inclusivity and mentorship.

At the heart of the S.M.I.L.E. Program is its mission to mentor underrepresented students, providing them with firsthand exposure to the myriad of career opportunities within the oral health profession. From dental assisting and hygiene to more specialized practice models, the program aims to lay a foundation of knowledge and experience through mentorship from seasoned dental professionals, hands-on learning, and exposure to diverse career pathways. This comprehensive approach is designed not only to educate but to inspire participants by uncovering the wide-ranging possibilities within the dental field.

Dr. Carol Summerhays, Henry Schein S.M.I.L.E. Program Director, emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion within the dental profession, noting the stark contrast between the demographic composition of the U.S. population and that of its dental professionals. With a significant underrepresentation of Black or African American and Hispanic dentists in America, the program seeks to address this disparity head-on, aiming to nurture a new generation of dental professionals who can better serve the country’s diverse communities.

The initiative has received praise for its hands-on and immersive approach to learning. The inaugural 2023 program witnessed the participation of 34 ninth and tenth graders from across the United States, who engaged in an enriching learning experience with dental professionals and specialists. The success of the program has garnered attention and enthusiasm for its impact on participants and the potential long-term benefits for the dental profession and community health at large.

Echoing the sentiments of collaboration and community impact, Dr. Marlon Henderson, 99th President of the National Dental Association, highlighted the importance of educational initiatives like the S.M.I.L.E. Program in building bridges and making significant strides toward inclusivity and health equity in dental care. By fostering growth and nurturing talent within the dental industry, the partners involved in the S.M.I.L.E. Program are setting a precedent for how professional organizations can work together to empower future healthcare professionals.

The application deadline for the 2024 S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program is March 31, 2024. Eligible students are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity by applying through the official program website. This innovative program represents not just a step forward in dental education but a leap towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse dental profession capable of serving all communities with care, empathy, and excellence.