New Jersey Dental School

17 April 2008

New Jersey Dental School—one of the eight schools of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—was founded in 1956 and has a proud tradition of educational excellence. Since its inception, the school has been dedicated to recruiting students from underrepresented minorities, so graduates can reach out to all communities.

Through the Office of Student Affairs, several programs have been put into place to attract minority students and those who have been economically or educationally disadvantaged.

Dental Exploration is a collaborative program between New Jersey Dental School (NJDS) and Science Park High School in Newark. It introduces seventh- and eighth-grade students to the profession of dentistry; first by having large groups of students interact with NJDS alumni and students, who visit the school. Next, smaller groups of students who have shown particular interest in dentistry come to NJDS, where they learn even more about the profession and participate in hands-on oral health projects in the actual dental clinic.

Decision for Dentistry is a three-day program that introduces high school students to the many options in dentistry. After an orientation on the first day, students take dental impressions on mannequins, assisted by NJDS student mentors and faculty. They spend the second day observing dental work being performed on actual patients in the clinic, and the final day is an overview of the application process for participants, their parents and guidance counselors.

Gateway to Dentistry is designed for undergraduates and recent college graduates. It is an intensive, two-week internship at the dental school. Participants are introduced to student life, perform hands-on clinical techniques and learn about the many specialties and research opportunities available to dentists.

The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program is a national program for college freshmen and sophomores from underrepresented populations and/or those who come from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. NJDS is one of only 12 institutions in the nation that participates in the six-week summer enrichment program. It includes academic enhancement in the basic sciences, seminars on learning skills and clinical exposure.

With its new 78,000 square-foot addition, NJDS boasts state-of-the-art teaching, research and treatment facilities with the latest, most advanced technology, unrivaled by any other dental school in the country. As it begins its next 50 years, NJDS will continue to be a strong, vibrant school that is dedicated to improving the lives it serves.