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 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.

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.

About Destination Dental School

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. This program is being supported in part from the generous contributions of the Galeota family. 

Diversity dental school Graphic.

Program Dates: 

The program will be held Saturdays from 10am-1pm (ET) June 4th-July 31st, 2021. 

Program Location:

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:

  • Dental School Application strategies
  • Hand skill development
  • Dental School Financing Strategies
  • Dental Admission Test preparation strategies
  • Cultural, educational, networking, and service activities
  • Introduction to dental research
  • Stipend for eligible participants
  • Waived University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine application fee

Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status.
  • Enrolled undergraduate student or post- baccalaureate
  • Minimum overall college GPA of 2.5

Questions?

Contact Jessica Scates (jmscates@buffalo.edu) with any questions. 

Application Deadline: Extended to April 1st, 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)

Apply Here

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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.

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Looking Ahead

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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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