2 minute read
Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion Dental Imprint Program celebrates 10 years of success
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
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A local high school student learns how to make an impression during DIP.
To reduce barriers for underrepresented minority students to enter the dental profession, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry created a pipeline program called Dental Imprint Program (DIP). This year, we celebrate its 10 years of success.
For the past decade, DIP has introduced students from the Detroit Public School Community District to oral health care. Through observation and hands-on activity, our hope is to familiarize and interest participants in dentistry, and ultimately develop in them the confidence to pursue a career in the profession. way for local youth to gain exposure to the field of dentistry,” said Melvin Lunkins, coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion. “By courting, encouraging and educating these students, we can start early recruitment of students who will look like many of the patients they will serve,” he said.
In 2019, 15 high schools partnered with us. And since its founding in 2009, more than 1,000 students have participated in DIP. We are proud of the program’s success and excited to see what is to come from the program in another 10 years!
“Through the program, we really strive to create a unique and interesting
In an effort to begin a practical dialogue with students, faculty and staff regarding their lived experiences on campus, the Bridges Not Fences panel discussion was introduced in April. The University’s Science, Technology & Race Learning Community took deliberate steps to establish a panel of typically underrepresented to share their perspectives and thoughts on important issues including diversity, inclusion, representation, community engagement and more. Melvin Lunkins, coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion, and Tamika Thompson, D.D.S. ’02, M.S. ’11, clinical associate professor, represented the School of Dentistry on the panel.
Nearly 100 people attended the event – it was a great start to engaging important topics. The University is excited about the many productive initiatives and conversations to come. Larry DeGroat, D.D.S. ’73, former president of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), and former chair of MDA Insurance & Financial Group, announced his retirement from the MDA Insurance & Financial Group and the MDA Health Plan boards. DeGroat has served the dental profession at large for several years, and as an MDA Insurance committee member and board member for 31 years.
2019-20 Michigan Dental Association Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) is a 12-month program designed to build future leaders by developing personal leadership skills. Alumni from the newest class include:
• Michelle Dziurgot, D.D.S. ’96 • Prabhjot Sing, D.D.S. ’17 • Lauryne Vanderhoof, D.D.S. ’17
Summer Enrichment Program participants recognized by the city
Participants receive the Spirit of Detroit Award at a recent City Council meeting.
On Tuesday, June 25, Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson and the members of the Detroit City Council presented a Spirit of Detroit award to 20 participants of University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). Participants took part in a new component of SEP that integrated community outreach. They were recognized for their commitment and altruism to families at the 5th Annual Marshmallow Drop in Detroit.
