From the SPEAR Newsroom

July 17, 2023

Summit Inspires Future Dentists

Spear Education takes pride in partnering with Diversity in Dental Mentorships, Inc. 501(c)(3) to offer opportunities like the Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit.

Spear Education was pleased to host 15 future dentists on July 11, 2023, as part of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships’ pathway program, Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit, on Spear’s campus in Scottsdale, Arizona. Spear hosted the inaugural Youth Summit in the fall of 2021 with nearly 30 students. This event aimed to empower historically underrepresented middle and high school students from African American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds, providing them with insight, education, and fun experiences to explore the world of dentistry.

Summit Highlight Reel

DIDM Board Leaders Recognized at NDA Convention

Student Dr. Luma Chenyi, DIDM Board Officer and Program Chair, presents on our Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit’s impact at NDA’s Minority Faculty, Administrators & Practitioners Forum.

DIDM Board Member, Dr. Edmond Hewlett, is joined by Student Dr. Luma Chenyi after receiving the Colgate/ National Dental Association Foundation Faculty Recognition Award.

Dr. Edmond Hewlett takes the podium to accept his prestigious award from Colgate/ NDA Foundation at the Hyatt Regency, New Orleans.

DIDM Board Leaders, Drs. Jared Williams and Joshua Golden recognized as one of NDA’s 40 Under 40 Awardees.

Celebrating Diversity and Equity in Dentistry at the NDA Conference!

We were thrilled to participate in the 110th National Dental Association Convention, in New Orleans, LA., alongside dedicated dental professionals who share our vision of a diverse and equitable dental workforce and the power of mentorship.

Student Dr. Luma Chenyi, our DIDM Board Officer and Programming Committee Chair and D2 Texas Tech Treasurer, Student National Dental Association, took the stage to share our impactful mission & vision with other pathway program organizations. Together, we are paving the way for a future where every aspiring dentist can thrive, regardless of their background.

We were also bursting with pride as we celebrated our esteemed Board member, Dr. Edmond Hewlett, Assoc. Dean for EDI UCLA School of Dentistry, on receiving the prestigious 2023 Faculty Award presented by NDA Foundation & Colgate Palmolive!

DIDM Leaders: Luma Chenyi, Jared Williams, Edmond Hewlett, Joshua Golden, and Laila Hishaw

This recognition is a testament to his dedication and passion for his dental students and advancing health equity in dentistry.

We were also thrilled to celebrate our Board Leaders, Drs. Jared Williams and Joshua Golden, recognized as NDA’s 40 Under 40 voted by their peers and a shinning example of excellence in dentistry!

DIDM Founder & President, Dr. Laila Hishaw, with Dr. Marlon D. Henderson, 99th NDA President “The Bridge Builder”.

Luma Chenyi serving with Dr. Hazel Harper Johns, Founding Director NDA-HEALTH NOW® at the 10TH Anniversary Community Outreach.

Ace Your Dental School Interviews!

Gain invaluable insights from our panel of successful dental professionals, Dr. Darwin Hayes and Student Drs. Akosua Afriyie & Malachi Wright, who have navigated the challenging dental school interview process.

August 2nd, 5pm PST/ 8pm EST