Purpose: Underserved populations are underrepresented in dentistry. Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Camp (DDC) addresses diversity and inclusion in the future workforce of dentistry, as well as advocacy and mentorship. DCC provides underserved youth with dental education via case-based learning and dental- and dental hygiene student-led hands-on simulation. Emphasis on overall health with oral health integration, and oral cancer prevention are addressed. Participants are 6th-12th graders from West Baltimore enrolled in the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Scholars Program, a pathway program for STEM-related career opportunities.

Methods: Oral health programming was completed using case-based learning and simulation-exercises. Dental education was provided by pediatric dentists, oral surgery and dental hygiene faculty and students. Data from 2016-present were retrospectively reviewed via surveys. This is phase one in a robust, longitudinal study.

Results: DCC was held seven times, 200 CURE Scholars participated and education was led by 127 dental students/faculty. CURE Scholars benefited from education in career pathways, oral cancer prevention, primary prevention, nutrition education, dental trauma prevention, dental anatomy, dental caries process and restorative techniques. Initial review suggests that DDC is effective in exposure to the profession of dentistry. This is phase one in future detailed analysis, which includes a mixed method analysis approach - survey and interviews with qualitative analysis.

Conclusions: Initial review suggests DCC encourages dental careers at a young age for a diverse group of students and promotes prevention strategies to encourage healthy lifestyles. The DCC model may be replicated nationally.