Author: Gao Vang
For aspiring dentists, the path to a career in oral health can feel both exciting and complex. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's Discover Dental School program helps make that journey more accessible by providing students with hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and a firsthand look at the profession.
As part of the 2025–2026 Discover Dental School cohort, students visited Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) in the spring, where they participated in interactive learning sessions designed to introduce them to clinical dentistry and the many members of the oral health care team.
During their time at CUHCC, participants shadowed dentists Drs. Lill, Gilbert, and Nguyen, as well as Danae Kotula, advanced dental therapist and clinical assistant professor in the School of Dentistry, observing procedures and gaining insight into patient care, dental education, and career pathways in dentistry. Students also had the opportunity to develop practical skills through hands-on activities. They learned the fundamentals of patient and provider ergonomics while practicing on "Dexter," a typodont training model, and gained experience taking dental impressions while strengthening their communication skills through peer-to-peer patient interactions.
The program also introduced participants to emerging technologies that are transforming oral health care. Students practiced using the iTero digital scanner, which is used to create precise images for crowns and other dental prosthetics, and explored Epic Wisdom, the electronic dental record system. Working within the Epic Support Environment, they learned the basics of dental charting and documentation, providing a glimpse into the technology and workflows used in modern dental practice.
"The participants brought an incredible level of passion and excitement for dentistry and helping others," said Danae Kotula, dental therapist at CUHCC. "They were eager to learn, ask questions, and engage with every aspect of the experience. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and commitment to serving patients and communities."
Kotula also highlighted the opportunity for students to experience team-based care in action, "They were able to see how dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other members of the oral health team work together to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. I was also impressed by the national reach of the program and the number of students who traveled from outside Minnesota to participate."
The Discover Dental School Program is designed to expand access and representation within the dental profession by creating pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to explore careers in oral health.
For many participants, the experience reinforced their passion for dentistry while helping them build meaningful connections with peers, dental students, faculty, and practicing professionals.
Another participant reflected on the impact of the program's supportive environment: "Overall, this was an amazing program that I would recommend to all pre-dental students, especially those looking for more support throughout their path to dentistry. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful, and I learned a lot from the experience."
Through immersive learning opportunities and mentorship, the Discover Dental School Program continues to inspire the next generation of oral health professionals while helping students envision their future role in improving the health and well-being of their communities.