Youth Summit Coming to the University of Washington!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: [email protected]
The Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit™ aims to improve pathways for underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds to consider a career in dentistry at the University of Washington’s Dental Academy
SEATTLE, WA – January 20, 2025 – The Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships (DIDM) Youth Summit will take place on Saturday, January 25, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. This impactful event launches the 3-day UW Dental Academy and gathers 50 high school students from the Seattle area to explore dentistry and ignite their passion for oral health careers.
Mentorship is at the heart of the summit, offering participants the chance to learn from University of Washington dental students, esteemed faculty, and practicing community dentists. Additionally, DIDM mentor dentists from Arizona and Alaska will share diverse perspectives and expertise, enriching the experience for students.
This exclusive event features hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and insights into the academic and professional paths within dentistry. It reflects DIDM’s mission to increase diversity in the dental profession by equipping underrepresented youth with resources and mentorship to succeed.
Event Details:
What: DIDM Youth Summit, Day 1 of the UW Dental Academy
When: Saturday, January 25, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: University of Washington School of Dentistry
Who: 52 high school students, UW dental students, faculty, and community dentists
Note: This event is not open to the public.
Photos from 2024 Youth Summits
Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., aims to address the disparity of the dental workforce which is associated with the lack of proper access to care and poor oral health outcomes in underrepresented communities by encouraging minority youth into the profession. Through a series of engaging hands-on activities with dental materials and virtual simulators, interactive discussions on dental anatomy, oral health, and the process of becoming a dentist, the students will be paired with dental mentors who will provide valuable guidance and encouragement. The day will culminate with a White Ceremony, a traditional rite of passage for dentists, in which a white coat is placed on their shoulders signifying their entrance into dentistry.
The event is made possible through the generous support of the University of Washington School of Dentistry, the Delta Dental Institute Oral Health Diversity Fund, Delta Dental of Arizona, and the Benco Family Foundation.
“We want to strengthen and lengthen the pathway from middle school to dental school and get these deserving students on the right path to success through mentorships, education and exposure,” said Dr. Laila Hishaw, Tucson pediatric dentist and founder of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc. “We hope to spark their interest, plant the seed of possibility, and prepare them to be successful in their journey to dental school, or wherever they find their passion. We believe a diverse dental workforce that is reflective of our nation will improve access to care and oral health outcomes for all communities.”
For the past 4 years, the Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit™ has fostered a sense of unity, empowerment, and possibility among attendees. It served as a way to break down barriers of opportunity and build up pathways for youth to pursue a career in dentistry, regardless of their background. This year, we are eager to continue to expand our Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit™ to more dental schools across the nation.
For more information, please visit https://diversityindentistry.org/events/2025-diversify-dentistry-youth-summit-at-uw/.
About Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc.
Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit education committed to strengthening the diversity pathway from middle school to dental school through mentoring, educational and hands-on programming, and scholarships to youth and pre-dental students from African American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds. We aim to reach our youth early to learn how rewarding a career in dentistry is and that it can be an attainable goal. We work to guide them on the right educational track, shadowing experience, and provide resources for them to be attractive candidates for dental school. To learn more about Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, visit https://diversitydentistry.org, and follow them on social media at @diversityindentistry.
About the University of Washington School of Dentistry and Dental Academy
The University of Washington School of Dentistry is a nationally renowned institution dedicated to advancing oral health through education, research, patient care, and community service. Their Dental Academy program offers high school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of dentistry. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge practices, the academy aims to spark interest and provide foundational knowledge for aspiring dental professionals.
Thank you to the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund for making this event possible!
