DentaQuest’s New Investments Support a More Diverse, Equitable Future in Dentistry

DentaQuest has announced a series of significant investments for programs designed to foster a more diverse pipeline for the dental profession. It has committed to providing more than $150,000 in funds and resources to three university externship programs, two research projects, and one pilot dental admissions support program, all geared toward addressing racial inequality.

To help reduce the financial burden for students looking to gain oral healthcare delivery experience, DentaQuest has donated funds to externship programs that provide real-life care delivery experience in the field. The universities are Howard University College of Dentistry, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston and University of Washington Office of Educational Partnerships and Diversity. 

To increase the number of American Indian/Alaskan Native students enrolled in U.S. dental schools, DentaQuest announced a contribution to the Society of American Indian Dentists for a pilot program designed to support American Indian/Alaskan Native college students and graduates with their education and professional advancement. The program will focus on academic coaching, admission test prep and mentoring.  

DentaQuest also is supporting two research projects at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee and the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston to grow the pipeline of students from communities of color to careers in dental care. Researchers will test best practice models for interprofessional care delivery in underserved communities in order to identify replicable ways to support students’ academic success and subsequent success in community practice.