Destination Dental School (DDS) is an intense gateway experience for underrepresented minority undergraduate students interested in a career in dentistry. The goal of the virtual 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.
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.
The program is designed to encompass hands-on experiences and enrichment activities with faculty mentor, dental students, and local community leaders. Through collaboration with UB's CSTEP program, Destination Dental School expects to invite 20-25 undergraduate students from across the United States each year.
Program Dates:
The program will be held Saturdays from 10am-1pm (ET) June 4th-July 31st, 2021.
Destination Dental School 2021 will be held virtually.
Program Leadership:
Dr. Wendell Carmona, Program Director, Destination Dental School, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Arian Johnson, Founder, Destination Dental School and Diversity Chair, Student National Dental Association
Dr. Dana Keblawi, Assistant Dean, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Jessica Scates, Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
The program will feature seminars on:
Eligibility:
Contact Jessica Scates (jmscates@buffalo.edu) with any questions.
Please note in order to complete application, please have the following documents available: