The future oral health workforce must be equipped with the knowledge and experience to improve access and outcomes for underserved populations. The gap in oral health disparities continues to grow, while diversity amongst dental health professionals remains relatively stagnant. In a 2016 survey from the American Dental Education Association, only 15.2% of dental school applicants were from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds. Recognizing the importance of diversity in improving access to care, the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry with funding from a HRSA Predoctoral training grant established the “Bringing Smiles Dental Enrichment Program” (BSDEP).

BSDEP supports and prepares students who are underrepresented in the dental profession for successful application and matriculation into dental school. Interns participate in the Bringing Smiles to NYC Schools comprehensive school-based dental program. Interns assist with daily operations of the program while gaining public health skills, mentorship opportunities, and experiences that help bolster their dental school application.

In year one, nine students participated. Of those who applied this cycle, 100% were accepted to dental school. All interns reported that their experience better prepared them for dental school applications and interviews, and reported that they plan to work in an underserved population in their future career.

BSDEP is a unique model for engaging and training youth to be better prepared to work in dental public health. There is a need for more pipeline programs that recruit and retain URM students as they pursue careers in medicine, public health and dentistry.