Oklahoma Middle, High School Students Discover Dentistry During University of Oklahoma Event

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry recently hosted the Discovering Dentistry Symposium presented by the non-profit organization, Planet Smilez, to inspire and educate middle and high school students about careers in dentistry as part of an effort to address critical workforce gaps and improve access to care in underserved communities.

The event highlights the importance of oral health and its connection to overall health. The 34 attendees gained insight into dental professions including dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting and enabled students to meet and learn from educators and dentistry professionals. By exposing students to evidence-based practices and real-world applications of dentistry, organizers say the event empowers the next generation of oral health professionals to make a lasting impact in their communities.

“Events like the Discovering Dentistry Symposium are vital to our mission at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry,” said Isabel Rambob, DDS, assistant dean for Student Affairs at the College of Dentistry. “By engaging middle and high school students early through hands-on learning and real-world exposure to the dental profession, we help shape future health leaders and bridge opportunity gaps across our state. In Oklahoma, where access to health care and representation in medical fields remain critical challenges, initiatives like this not only spark curiosity, they plant the seeds of long-term impact in our communities.”

"I believe education and mentorship have the power to transform lives," Kathryn Pawlak, DDS, founder of Planet Smilez, said. "My goal for the Discovery Dentistry Symposium is to empower children with oral health care knowledge and hands-on dentistry experiences. This will help children envision a future in dentistry, while also fostering a generation of oral health care professionals who can address the needs of their communities."

The symposium is made possible through funding from Delta Dental Institute as part of its continued dedication to advancing the future of the oral health workforce. Since 2023, the Delta Dental Institute has invested more than $1.7 million in programs that support the development of comprehensive solutions, innovative pilots, and scalable models, inspiring school-aged children from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to pursue careers in oral health. Planet Smilez was named a 2024 awardee in recognition of its commitment to hosting 10 immersive workshops nationwide. 

About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.