The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) aims to assist students from under-resourced and disadvantaged backgrounds with gaining admission to dental school, and encourages participants to become practicing dentists in medically underserved areas. Because the dental admission test (DAT) and lengthy application process can be considered an obstacle in applying to dental school, SEP was developed to make the participants more competitive and qualified applicants. SEP is a facilitated entry program that provides educational and professional development experiences to assist the participants with matriculating into and graduating from dental school and to provide them with resources and support for succeeding in their future careers in Dentistry.
SEP is a 9-week (4 weeks self-paced and 5 weeks in-person) structured program that offers free housing and DAT Preparation, and a stipend to cover sustenance and travel expenses. Various educational and professional development experiences will be afforded to participants, including financial aid information, admissions counseling, dental school application assistance, academic success and professional development sessions, and cultural competency training. The participants will also be exposed to clinical experiences and other aspects of dental education including simulation lab activities, dental specialty panels, and primary care exposure. In order to foster a welcoming environment, provide mentoring opportunities, and expose them to the city of Detroit, SEP will also coordinate several social events for participants including trips to museums and sporting events, tours of the surrounding area, and networking luncheons and dinners with UDMSD students, staff, faculty, and alumni, along with local dentists in the community.
To qualify for the program, you need to be a Junior, Senior, or Recent College Graduate (within the last 5 years).
2023 Program Dates: May 1 - July 1, 2023
The Application deadline is February 15, 2023. Acceptance decisions will be emailed to applications by the end of March 2023. For questions about the SEP program or the application process, please email to dental_diversity@udmercy.
More information can be found here: dental.udmercy.edu/community/
