Immersive Dentistry Symposium at Rutgers Inspires Newark Teens to Envision Futures in Oral Health Care
A recent event aimed at inspiring Newark’s youth highlighted the importance of oral health education and professional development in the dental field. The Discovering Dentistry Symposium, organized by Planet Smilez in collaboration with the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM), provided high school students from East Side High School and Science Park High School with a comprehensive introduction to the world of dentistry.
Participants engaged in hands-on activities such as placing dental sealants, attaching braces brackets, and learning to differentiate between common oral health issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The event commenced with a traditional white coat ceremony, symbolically welcoming the students into the dental profession for the day. Following this, the students rotated through six interactive stations, each facilitated by RSDM students, covering topics ranging from basic oral health care to intricate dental procedures. Each participant left with a certificate of completion, a tangible reminder of their experience.
“The symposium’s primary goal is to expose high school students, particularly those underrepresented in the dental field, to the possibilities within dentistry,” explained Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry Mary Beth Giacona. The initiative aims to plant seeds of interest in the profession and cultivate future generations of dental professionals.
The event’s creator, pediatric dentist Kathryn Pawlak, conceived the symposium in response to a perceived need for greater oral health education among youth. After founding Planet Smilez as a pre-dental student, she worked tirelessly to bring this initiative to her home state of New Jersey, receiving support from the Delta Dental Institute Oral Health Diversity Fund. Pawlak connected with RSDM after receiving a recommendation from Nashon Hornsby, Assistant Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Health Division of Community Health Services, who is dedicated to expanding oral health services in the state.
Reflecting on his personal experience with RSDM as a patient without dental insurance, Hornsby noted the school’s significant impact on the community. “This pathway work is about addressing oral health in the context of a broader health concern,” he stated. He emphasized the benefits of introducing young people to oral health topics, which fosters greater appreciation for their own dental health as well as that of their families and peers.
The symposium’s success was highlighted by enthusiastic feedback from both students and educators. Minal Thakur, Science Department Chair at East Side High School, remarked on how engaged students were throughout the experience, demonstrating a keen interest in pursuing careers in healthcare.
Volunteers from RSDM, including Sydney Goldberg, a Dental Scholars Master’s Student, spoke to the profound impact the event had on both participants and volunteers. “It helps remind students of the larger purpose of supporting and inspiring our community,” Goldberg expressed.
Cole Clapperton, a first-year dental student, shared his excitement about the event, stating, “The joy on the students’ faces when they completed tasks like suturing was incredibly rewarding.”
Pawlak praised the RSDM volunteers’ commitment, noting how their relatability and enthusiasm positively influenced the youth participants. “It is incredibly meaningful to return to my home state and give back to a community with such tremendous need,” she concluded.
This symposium exemplifies the collaborative effort to enhance oral health education and inspire the next generation of dental professionals in Newark, reinforcing the vital link between education, community engagement, and health awareness.
