The UMKC chapter of the Student National Dental Association hosted an Impression Day, Saturday, February 5, 2022, an event hosted by SNDA chapters across the country to increase exposure to underrepresented minority students to dentistry as a profession and the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. A hybrid event which included current dental students and faculty, twenty-five attended in person and fifty virtually via Zoom.
Breakfast was followed by an admissions presentation by Richard Bigham, Associate Dean for Student Affairs; Jimi Sode, Senior Manager of Dental Admission; and Jennifer Pennington, Enrollment Service Coordinator, all from UMKC. Scott Guerrero, STHAR Director, presented an overview of the STHAR program hosted at UMKC followed by John L. Cottrell, Director of Minority and Special Programs who discussed program requirements. Participants were introduced to a dental student panel that focused on Student Life: Drew Dean, DDS Class of 2022, Precious Hollins, DDS Class of 2024; Dean Mohammadi, DDDS Class of 2024 and Vanessa Sena, DDS Class of 2024 panel. A second student panel, Lena Adams, DDS Class of 2022 Blake Echols, DDS Class of 2023, Francisco Flores, DDS Class of 2024, Daniel Archibong, DDS Class of 2024; and Anh Nguyen, DDS Class of 2024 provided DAT test taking tips and Applicant interview suggestions.
At noon, attendees participated in a drawing for a variety of door prized. The big prize was a DAT Boot Camp Certificate, followed by lunch and a Mock Grand Round Presentation given by Rukevwe Erhenede, DDS Class of 2022, and former SNDA/HSDA President.
SNDA/HSDA members gave those attending in person a tour of the school and then they had the opportunity to participate in hands on lab experience where they made the preparation for a dental filling on a plastic tooth. The day concluded with remarks by Shonte Reed, DDS Class of 2024, President of SNDA/HSDA and Andrew Thompkins, DDS Class of 2024, Vice-President of SNDAHSDA.
Here are some participant comments highlighting the success of the event taken from an anonymous follow-up survey
• You guys were so helpful
• I appreciate the hard work that went into the Impressions Day
• I loved the transparency, honesty, and boldness.
• The workshop flowed well. I wish I could have been there in person
Photos here.