Building the Future Oral Health Workforce: An Initiative by Planet Smilez

In the face of a growing nationwide shortage of oral health professionals, Planet Smilez is taking proactive steps to address this critical issue. The organization is focused on creating pathways for future providers, especially among underrepresented communities where dental health professionals are scarce.

Fostering Future Dentists

Planet Smilez recognizes that by providing early exposure to careers in dentistry, engaging students in hands-on learning experiences, and offering mentorship, they can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in oral health. The initiative targets students from dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), introducing them to the rewarding fields of dentistry and dental hygiene. This program aims not only to fill workforce gaps but also to enhance access to care in communities that have historically faced barriers to oral health services.

Highlighting this commitment, Dr. Kathryn Pawlak and the senior leadership team at Planet Smilez are set to host the Discovering Dentistry Symposium (DDS) on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Science Park High School in Newark, NJ. This event promises to be an engaging experience aimed at both middle and high school students, showcasing what a career in oral health entails.

The Discovering Dentistry Symposium (DDS)

The DDS is designed to spark interest among students in the fields of oral health and STEM. The symposium will delve into the oral-systemic health connection, display a variety of careers in dentistry, and offer participants a unique insight into the daily life of dental professionals. Attendees will participate in hands-on activities, appreciate mentorship opportunities, and thoroughly explore potential career paths within the dental field.

“I believe education and mentorship has the power to transform lives,” said Dr. Pawlak. “My goal for the DDS program is to empower children with oral healthcare knowledge and hands-on dentistry experiences. This will optimally help them envision a future in dentistry, while also fostering a generation of oral healthcare professionals who can address the needs of their communities.”

The event's agenda includes engaging workshops and sessions that will facilitate interactions between students and current dental health professionals, thus benefitting both parties through shared experiences and knowledge.

Partnership with Delta Dental

The initiative receives pivotal support from Delta Dental, which has been committed to strengthening the future of the oral health workforce. Since 2023, Delta Dental has invested over $1.7 million towards programs that promote access to dentistry for children from diverse backgrounds. Planet Smilez proudly accepted an award from Delta Dental in 2024, acknowledging its dedication to hosting 10 immersive workshops across the country. This partnership is crucial to the success of these programs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing healthcare workforce disparities.

By investing in the education and development of young individuals from underserved regions, Planet Smilez is working towards a future where every community has access to essential oral health services.

Conclusion

The commitment shown by Planet Smilez illustrates a meaningful step towards addressing the oral health workforce shortage in America. Through initiatives like the Discovering Dentistry Symposium, they are not just preparing students for future careers; they are cultivating leaders who will return to their communities to make a lasting impact on oral health access and education. To learn more about their initiatives, visit www.planetsmilez.org.