Spelman College showcases dentistry

Atlanta鈥擶hen Spelman College began planning its March 21 Health Professions Conference, a group known as Georgia Dental Diversity Group jumped at the chance to hold its 2nd Annual Predental Conference at the same time.

“This was the first time that this event was held at an historically African-American college and we invited all predental societies to participate,” said Dr. Evis Babo, a member of the GDDG and 2007-08 graduate of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership. “This gave us an opportunity to spread the word about dentistry and dental careers, and give students information on how to prepare for a career in dentistry.”

Spelman College’s Health Careers Program “provides students with information that could impact their awareness and preparation for a career as a health professional,” said Rosalind Gregory-Bass, M.D., associate director of the program.

Other universities have organized similar events. On Feb. 27, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry held its 2nd Annual Predental Consortium Conference which included outreach to students with an interest in community based practice, pediatric care and the underserved.

The Georgia Dental Diversity Group sponsored its first Predental Conference at Georgia Institute of Technology in 2008. This year’s conference was expanded to include more than 50 students from Spelman College, Emory University, Clark-Atlanta University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and University of Georgia.

The Georgia Dental Association, its Northern District Dental Society and the Georgia Dental Society, the constituent organization of the National Dental Association, supported the event at Spelman’s Cosby Academic Center. The conference included speakers, a question-and-answer session and a preclinical hands-on workshop.

“I’m inspired by the diversity in dentistry today,” said GDS President Debra M. Wilson, who participated as a panelist on diversity.

“The acceptance of difference is so important for our profession and our country,”said Dr. Wilson. “We need our young professionals of all backgrounds to promote dental wellness in every community.”

The event prominently featured the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, with Dr. Carole Hanes, professor/associate dean for students, admissions and alumni, stating that the school’s “mission is to prepare dentists to provide oral health care for the citizens of Georgia, a very diverse population.

“The Spelman College event was very valuable in helping us spread the word to a diverse group of interested college students about a career in dentistry,” said Dr. Hanes, who served as a keynote speaker with her husband, Dr. Philip Hanes, MCG chair of periodontics, who spoke about the oral health/overall health relationship.

Predental students in attendance were pleased with the outcome.

“Through the various workshops we attended, we learned so much about the opportunities in dentistry, the Medical College of Georgia, how to strengthen our applications, how to finance dental school and life in dentistry while having a family,” said Jennifer Matosian of the University of Georgia.

The Georgia Dental Diversity Group (www.diversityindentistry.com) began about 20 years ago as a social and networking organization. As part of her Institute leadership project, Dr. Babo sought to expand the group’s reach and activities.