Henry Schein, National Dental Association and Schattner Foundation Present Student Mentoring Program for Aspiring Dental Professionals

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), National Dental Association (NDA), and Schattner Foundation are pleased to partner and present the S.M.I.L.E. (Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment) Healthcare Pathway Program. This innovative public-private partnership is designed to mentor and support aspiring healthcare professionals and enhance inclusivity within the dental field.

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Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 program taking place July 7 to 11, 2024, at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Nashville, TN. Joining Henry Schein, the NDA, and Schattner Foundation in presenting the 2024 program are the Hispanic Dental Association, the Society of American Indian Dentists, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and the A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and the A.T. Still University's Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health.

The S.M.I.L.E. Program empowers underrepresented high school students (grades 9-10) with a passion for oral health to gain exposure to the variety of career opportunities available within the oral health profession, including assisting, hygiene, and dentistry, as well as various practice models and industry roles. Through an immersive, week-long experience, the program provides:

• Mentorship from experienced dental professionals;
• Hands-on learning of real-world procedures and develop practical skills;
• Career pathway exposure to discover diverse dental career options; and
• Capstone project culminating in a presentation focused on translating their learnings into tangible action.

This comprehensive approach fosters informed career choices, builds essential skills, and empowers future leaders in oral health.

“We are thrilled to join with our partners to present the S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Pathway Program,” said Dr. Carol Summerhays, Henry Schein S.M.I.L.E. Program Director. “This program represents a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the dental profession. Through early exposure, mentorship, and direction, we firmly believe that by introducing students to the dynamic world of dentistry, we can ignite their passion and empower them to pursue careers as dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental office administrators. In America, over 30% of the population identify as Black or African American or Hispanic, with that number dropping significantly to less than 10% for dentists.¹ We hope to cultivate the next generation of dental professionals to better serve our diverse patient community and strengthen the foundation of our critical health care community."