Destination Dental School Application

Diversity dental school Graphic.

About Destination Dental School

Destination Dental School (DDS) is an intense gateway experience for underrepresented minority undergraduate students interested in a career in dentistry. The goal of the program is to encourage and increase the number of talented underrepresented students who pursue a career in dentistry. DDS helps prepare participants through hands-on experiences with faculty mentors, dental students and community leaders.

How it Started...

Arian.

Arian Johnson, Class of 2021
 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee;
Student National Dental Association; Diversity Chair

Arian, 4th year dental student at SDM, was born and raised on the east side of Buffalo, NY; a predominantly black neighborhood that is highly impacted socioeconomically. As the first in her family to obtain a Bachelor’s degree and pursue a Doctorate, she recognizes her role as an advocate and leader for her community. Due to the lack of diversity in the dental profession, she was inspired to propose a dental pipeline program for under-represented students in an effort to improve resources for those rising from communities like the east side of Buffalo.

Eligibility:

  • Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in college;
  • Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5;
  • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services;
  • Must not have previously participated in the program.

 

Application Deadline: February 28, 2021 - 11:59 PM

Please note in order to complete application, please have the following documents available:

  • Personal statement 
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Photo ID (School ID is an acceptable form)

 

The program will feature seminars on:

  • Strategies for enhancing success in applying to dental school;
  • Financing Dental School; 
  • DAT test preparation;
  • Hand skill development;
  • Cultural, educational, networking, and service activities;
  • Research project presented as a capstone event.

Apply Here

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Emergency Contact

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Academics

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Personal Information

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International Students

International students are not currently eligible to receive funding through this program. You are welcome to apply, but would not receive any compensation through the program.

Research Experience

 
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Looking Ahead

What do you expect/aspire to do after graduating from your undergraduate program? (check all that apply)
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Upload Files

 

Please state your reasons for applying to this program. Consider answering one or more of these questions in your statement:

  • Why do you want to pursue a career in dentistry?
  • Do you have any experiences that qualify you as a healthcare professional? Or more specifically a dental health care professional?
  • Have you encountered challenges that have affected your educational career, either positively or negatively?
  • Do you have any specific prior life experiences (in academia, professional, volunteer, etc.) that show your dedication to the pursuit of a career in dentistry?
  • Is there any additional information that will help us evaluate your preparation and ability to succeed?
 
 
Letters of Recommendation

Two (2) letters of recommendation from people who know you well (professor, advisor, supervisor, etc) should be sent directly to the program. The person submitting the letter must use the Letters of Recommendation Form.

  1. Go to the Letters of Recommendation Form page
  2. Copy the website address and send it to anyone who is writing a letter for you

Agreement

By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. By signing this application, and if selected, I understand that it is my responsibility to attend all DDS functions and educational activities to maintain my DDS Fellow status. I also understand that all DDS activities are mandatory, unless specified otherwise, and that failure to comply with program guidelines may jeopardize my summer stipend.

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