For more information

dds@umkc.edu
UMKC School of Dentistry
650 E. 25th St., Kansas City, MO 64108

People with speech or hearing impairments can call:
800/735-2966(TT)
800/735-2466 (Voice)

Summer Dental Exploration Program

Early-Mid June 2024

Have you ever considered what it is like to be dentist?  This summer you can receive that opportunity and more during our one-week, hybrid Summer Dental Exploration Program.  We will explore dentistry broadly along with provide exposure to dental specialty programs.  Activities will include the following:

  • Hands-on activities making dental impressions and simulation exercises using a dental drill.
  • Observing and rotating through the general dental clinic along with the specialty departments i.e., Orthodontics, Pediatric, Oral Surgery and Endodontics.
  • Receiving an overview of chairside dental assisting.
  • Participating in a variety of dentistry presentations from faculty, alumni, and local practitioners.
  • Engaging with panels of students and faculty from the Student National Dental Association/Hispanic Dental Association (SNDA/HSDA).
  • Meeting the admissions staff and learning about the process for applying to dental school and how to become a successful dental school candidate.
  • Learning about additional pipeline programs (i.e. STAHR) and community outreach / enrichment programs organized by our school.
  • Touring our great city and participating in social events.
  • Meeting peers with similar interest and goals!

At the conclusion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate of participation to confirm your engagement with us during the week. This will be an important recognition to include on your future dental school application!

The summer program will be provided in a hybrid format to include on-line and in-person segments. On-line segments will occur occur the first part of the week, with in-person segments occurring the last two days.  Participants will be responsible for making their own housing, travel, and meal arrangements during the in-person segments. To assist in your supplemental expenses (i.e., travel, housing and food and other essentials/incidentals) participants who remain fully engaged in the program will receive a $150 stipend at the conclusion of the program.

If you are a minority high school senior or college student from an underserved or rural community or simply committed to learn more about dentistry, you are an excellent candidate for the program. Students from the greater metropolitan Kansas City area are our target audience. However, all students from are welcome to apply with the understanding that if selected, you must arrange and pay for your own transportation to and from the program.

Application and Participation

To apply to the Summer Dental Exploration Program, you’ll need to prepare and submit the documents listed below:

  • Submit the program application which can be downloaded here or requested by emailing dds@umkc.edu. It includes a statement expressing your interest in dentistry and benefits you hope to receive from participation in Summer Dental Exploration Program.
  • Submit a current (unofficial is acceptable) academic transcript.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from the teachers, counselors, advisors, or administration at your high school/college.
  • Applications will be available in April and due in early May before the summer you would like to participate in the program.   Send your application materials to dds@umkc.edu or mail to UMKC SOD, Attn: Office of Student Programs – Exploration Program, 650 E. 25th St., Kansas City, MO 64108.

After all applications have been reviewed, selected candidates will be contacted by e-mail, phone, or mail. If you are chosen to participate in the program, you will be notified by late March.

Participants must agree and adhere to the Safety and Dress Codes and the rules and regulations of the program and the UMKC School of Dentistry. In addition, participants will be required to always wear masks in classroom lectures and pre-clinical labs (This includes faculty, presenters, instructors, dental students, parents, or guest,). There are no exceptions to this rule.

Finally, prospective participants must show proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or waiver/exemption from it.

Qualifications and Expectations

  • Preference will be given to students enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum at high schools in the Kansas City, MO, or Kansas City, KS school districts. However, students attending other districts are also welcome to apply.
  • A high school GPA of a least 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) is desired.
  • You must have a strong interest and commitment to a career in dentistry.
  • Underrepresented ethnic/racial minority student (African American, Hispanic, or Native American) are highly desired, but not to the exclusion of other qualified applicants.

If selected, other requirements include:

  • Access to a computer or laptop with Zoom Conferencing capability.
  • Committed to full participation i.e., attend all session, enter the conference call or classroom on time and be an active participant.