Incoming learners explore creative outlets with Health Sciences Makerspace

First-year DDS learners enjoyed a dose of hands-on creativity as they learned about the resources available to them in their first weeks on campus.

The University of Minnesota Health Sciences Library invited incoming learners to the Makerspace for a series of dentistry events in August. One of several spaces across campus libraries dedicated to creativity and exploration, the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Library features sewing machines, craft supplies, 3D printers, button makers, virtual reality and more–all available to health science students. 

“Our goal in the libraries is to support student learning and access to resources throughout their time at the University, both in and out of the traditional classroom setting,” explained Melissa Ernst, MLIS, dentistry liaison for the Health Sciences Library. “This last academic year, I noticed that dentistry students were finding their way to the makerspace and using our resources in creative ways to augment their learning.” One student, a DDS tutor, discovered that he could use the space’s 3D printers to create materials he could use to support student learning on teeth waxing. Another student created clefts to help explain a procedure to a patient. 

These experiences encouraged Ernst to set up a series of welcome events for incoming students, who were invited to try out the space’s equipment and left with buttons, name badge decorations featuring 3D-printed tooth charms, hand embroidered materials and more. 

“I am hoping that by welcoming students into the space early, we can help them connect to resources,” Ernst explained. “I know that DDS students are incredibly hard working and wanted to ensure that they know about spaces on campus where they can step away for a break or a change of scenery. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with!” 

Students appreciated the opportunity to use their hands and appeal to their creative sides. 

Maria Fitian, DDS ’29, was excited to explore the materials and opportunities available within the space, with Ernst’s guidance. “It’s a great space to let creative juices flow,” she explained. “Creativity is often shut out with the chaos of dental school, but it felt so refreshing to be in that space with people who are also creating." 

Fitian so enjoyed the process of making tooth keychains that she brought her roommate back for a second day of exploration. “I wanted her to experience the same thing I did,” she expressed. “It’s a space for all of us to collaborate collectively, and I would love to see my classmates there working on our own projects and seeing where our creativity can take us.” 

Fitian is passionate about how spaces like this can enhance whole-person wellbeing amid the high-pressure environment of school. “Well-roundedness is important, and I hope to use the space to see what I can create outside the classroom,” she said. “Spaces like this remind us that we are capable of more than exams and practicals. They encourage collaboration and are a space for us to learn and teach our skills.” 

Jada Tran, DDS ’29, has always loved creativity; in fact, it’s part of what drew her to dentistry. She was sad to say goodbye to the Create Space when she graduated from the University of Saint Thomas–so she was thrilled to hear that a similar space existed at the University. She joined a group of classmates in making buttons and friendship bracelets.

“It was a good way to decompress, get to know my classmates in a casual setting and get to know the campus better,” she said. “The Makerspace will be a great space to try out hobbies in a way that’s still connected to dentistry. Everything we do in the mouth is on a very small scale, so working on these miniscule crafts will help me in the long run.” 

She appreciated the event, which helped remove the hurdle of exploring the space for the first time. “Otherwise, I might have thought about going to the space, but may have had a hard time going,” she said. “Or I could see feeling overwhelmed with not knowing what to do. Having something specific to practice helped with that.”

Ashley Maguire, DDS ’29, “loved being surrounded by creative tools and ideas,” she said. “It was exciting to see how technology and design could intersect with something so central to my career goals.”

Maguire had such a great experience on the first day of the event that she returned to explore further. “The space sparked so many ideas, and I wanted to try a few new things while also sharing the experience with a friend,” she said. “Part of the joy was in the community aspect, as well: exploring and creating together makes the experience more meaningful.” 

Maguire is excited to see how she can use the space’s tools, particularly the 3D printer, to enhance her skills and create models that can be used in the classroom. And she sees the space as essential to growing as a clinician.

“Spaces like the Makerspace encourage curiosity, creativity and problem solving in students, all of which are essential for health care professionals,” she reflected. “In dentistry, we often need to think outside the box, adapt to new technologies and design personalized solutions for each patient’s needs and wants. A space like this provides an environment for practicing those skills and engaging with another outlet for hands-on learning. Health care really is about innovation and exploring the unknown through creativity.”