College students thinking of becoming dentists now have a chance to try on their career choice for size. In "Gateway to Dentistry," a new program at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School (NJDS), collegians actually attend the dental school for two weeks to see what dentistry is all about. "The program is designed to familiarize an undergraduate student with dentistry and tip the scale in favor of a dental career," says Blaise Curcio, DMD, director of the Department of General Dentistry and Community Health’s Division of General Dentistry. "We hope to reach the prospective dental school candidate early in the decision-making process."

Gateway to Dentistry began as a pilot program in June 2000 with six college students. The program was such a success that it was expanded. It was officially launched in January 2001, with nine students enrolled. A second session in May 2001 was fully booked with 20 undergraduates from colleges and universities across the country –including four from Curcio’s alma mater, The College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Students who are accepted into the program arrive on campus to spend 10 full days at the dental school. They are given lockers, scrubs, even UMDNJ IDs and parking hangtags. Each is assigned a dental school "buddy," who takes them around, answers questions and explains what life is really like for a dental student. Participants attend lectures and take part in pre-clinical laboratory procedures, where activities include pouring models, using mirrors and taking dental impressions. They learn about the admissions process and financial aid options, and attend seminars outlining different dental specialties and other career options in dentistry.

"The college students are integrated right into the UMDNJ family and made to feel a part of the dental school," says Kim Fenesy, DMD, Director of Student Advisement and Advocacy. "Everyone at the dental school interacts with them – faculty, students and staff." Fenesy and Curcio developed the Gateway program as a recruitment tool for prospective students. While some of the undergraduates are predental majors, others have an interest in dentistry but are undecided.

The Gateway program is promoted through mailings to colleges and universities and networking with college advisors. "We hope to establish a relationship with good ‘feeder’ schools," says Curcio. "If advisors steer qualified students to dentistry, Gateway will then cement a relationship with UMDNJ." An application can also be downloaded from the NJDS Web site. Fenesy says most participants have applied on-line.

The program is scheduled to coincide with the traditional spring break and summer vacations. Students attend at no charge, but are responsible for their own room and board. Feedback on the program has been very positive. Of the six students who participated in the pilot program, three applied for admission to NJDS. Students who have completed the program exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses with dental school faculty, and most stay in touch. "We hope the relationships formed through the Gateway program will prompt the most qualified students to apply here, and to choose UMDNJ over other schools," says Fenesy.