Discovering Dental School

A program providing support to prospective dental students continues to grow and serve learners in new and powerful ways.

Discover Dental School is “a pathways program for prospective dental students who are interested in gaining access to resources and additional support prior to submitting an application,” according to Susie Wold, MS, assistant director of admissions at the School of Dentistry. “Participants leave with a better understanding of resources and support available at the University of Minnesota, and how to become a better student academically and holistically.”

The program began in 2019 as a week-long, in-person experience. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced a transition to a virtual experience, Wold and her team took the opportunity to continue reimagining the experience—first transitioning to a three-week model in 2022 and 2023, then creating a year-long, part time experience for 2024.

“We really wanted to make it feasible for people to fit into their already busy schedule,” Wold explained. This year’s program included live virtual webinars, participation in a mentor group with other participants and a current dental student, and a week-long in-person component that includes time in the pre-clinic, a tour of the school, visits to community clinics and in-person connections.

“At the end of the program, students have a better understanding of what it takes for them personally to thrive in dental school and become a competitive applicant, as well as the variety of career opportunities that exist for them,” Wold said. “Throughout the program, students are connected with current dental students, our alumni, faculty members and the admissions team.”

From its conception to its current state, Discover Dental School has propelled learners to grow as students and as people.