Minority Student Dental Association

1. Minority Student Dental Association A Brief Overview Dr. Fred Ferguson MSDA Faculty Advisor, “The Reach” Founder Dan Gehani Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine Class of 2006 MSDA Organization Founder

2. Minority faculty at medical institutions are less likely than Caucasian faculty to hold senior academic rank. Minority populations in America are growing faster than any other population group. Half this population has difficulty accessing dental health treatment because they don’t speak English and can’t find services to meet their needs. Did You Know That… • 2 million minorities don’t have health insurance, with Korean Americans having the highest rate of uninsurance (40%) among all racial/ethnic groups. • Currently the ratio of minorities in the United States vs. minority dentists is staggering. • There is NO organized group for dental students to learn and exchange ideas concerning minority issues

3. The Reach A Program to Increase the Recruitment of Underrepresented Applicants to the Dental Profession

4. Minorities in Dentistry While the United States as a whole has become more diverse with minorities making up 25 percent of the total U.S. population, only a handful (14 percent) are currently practicing dentistry, and only 11 percent entering dental schools are underrepresented minorities

5. Current Issues A recent study in the Journal of Dental Education from Sept. 2004 entitled, The Pathway to Dentistry for Minority Students: From Their Perspective by Keith Veal, et.al found that: • Early and frequent exposure to dentistry and dentists in practice is essential for minority students to consider this profession • While many dental schools have earnestly tried to recruit minority applicants, most URM students find out about dental programs by a family member or friend and not as a result of an intentional recruiting effort • Hearing directly from minority students could be a solid first step in understanding the dental school experience from a different vantage point.

6. Goals of “The Reach” • To reach those students who might consider the dental profession and prepare them for application to professional school • Provide an overview of the profession to prospective underrepresented minority students • Provide an opportunity to communicate with students and faculty at the SDM, and graduates in the field

7. How will we “Reach” our goals? • The INTERNET High school and College students are using the internet more than ever before. We can use this “tool” to communicate with these prospective students in an efficient and effective way. • Upon confirmation to attend Stony Brook, all undergraduate students who identify themselves as a minority, will receive a “greeting” letter by email from Dr. Ferguson. The letter will give background information on The Reach, and a link to it’s website • This program will initially begin among students here at Stony Brook, and eventually expand to other colleges in Long Island and ultimately include High Schools as well

8. The Reach Web Page • Why become a dentist? • What is the scope of the profession? (general practice and specialties, where can you work, what can you expect to earn) • What are the educational demands? • How to prepare for dental school • What happens in dental school (Brief description of the coursework at SDM) • What happens after graduation from dental school?

9. The Reach Web Page (cont) • Sources for scholarships and financial aid • Contact list of dental students, faculty and graduates of the SDM who will provide information about their experiences • Links to various student and professional organizations • Articles about oral health and the profession • The Reach calendar: events and announcements • Sign up for our newsletter

10. Faculty Involved in The Reach • Dr. Fred Ferguson, Founder • Dr. Mark S. Wolff, Web site development • Dr. Kathy Yunger, Alumni contacts • Judith Berke-Berhannon, Main campus administrator • Dr. Erin Riley, Admissions and Student Affairs • Dr. John Chaves, Consultant

11. Goals of the Minority Student Dental Association • To be committed to the improvement of the delivery of dental health to all people, with an emphasis on minorities and/or the underserved. • Voice for minority healthcare issues as well as those faced by minority dentists • Help develop culturally sensitive skills essential for minority dentists and those who will be working in a minority community

12. Goals of MSDA (cont) • National service projects – Bone marrow drive and blood donor drives • Oral cancer and dental health screenings within minority communities • Provide opportunities for professional and personal growth of its members • Increase awareness at national dental societies of the current situation regarding minority students • To promote and encourage an increase in minority enrollment in all dental schools

13. What Can I Do With MSDA? • Help organize and efficiently run “The Reach” • Organize events like blood drives, oral cancer and dental health screenings in minority communities, presentations from minority dentists and SDM faculty, culture shows and performances at the SDM Talent Show, etc. • Break those stereotypes! – Refine your leadership skills by becoming an officer on the Executive Board • Educate your peers, community, and yourself

14. Maybe you’re still wondering, “What is MSDA and The Reach?” The answer to that question is….

15. MSDA and The Reach is what YOU, the members, make it out to be. MSDA’s involvement with the community, it’s connections with dentists nationwide, it’s reputation, the strength of it’s voice… It’s all decided by YOU!

16. Join MSDA Now! Sign up today, and find out more at our national website, www.MinorityDental.org ! (coming soon!!)