seniors edition - health sciences | creighton university · professional scholarship program...
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Seniors Edition Spring 2018
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Mission
The mission of Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs is to promote Creighton
University as a recognized leader in the training and development of a multicultural health care
workforce that serves to reduce health disparities in underserved and diverse communities through
research, culturally proficient education, community interaction and engagements
through Ignatian values.
Vision
Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs will be recognized and respected as an
innovative department that pioneers and synthesizes community, education, research and the
development of future healthcare professionals who are culturally aware and work toward the
elimination of health disparities.
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Message from the Associate Vice Provost Health Sciences
We congratulate all the graduating students at
Creighton University, especially the health sciences’
students recruited and supported by our office of
Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs
(HS-MACA).
In this newsletter, our focus is on the diversity
initiatives at Creighton University School of Dentistry
(CUSOD). Partnering with the School of Dentistry is a
natural and logical relationship which has helped to
promote and increase the diversity of its students. The
CUSOD has a distinguished history of helping
underrepresented and disadvantaged students prepare
for a career in the health professions. The school
implemented its first program for disadvantaged
students in 1974 through a pre-dental summer enrichment program. Since 2005 CUSOD has
partnered with HS-MACA to administer a post baccalaureate and a pre-matriculation program
for disadvantaged students. A total of 66 students have completed the program: 35 are in
clinical practice, 20 are in dental school, 5 others are in other graduate programs while there
are 6 students in the current class. It is my pleasure on behalf of these students to thank the
Dental School for the generous scholarships that have always been made available to these
students. It made all the difference.
We would also like to congratulate the Dean, the faculty, staff and students of CUSOD on the
construction of the new School of Dentistry building and look forward to future collaborating
opportunities.
As Mattie Stepanek said, “Unity is strength…when there is teamwork and
collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” - So, it has been with our
collaboration with the School of Dentistry at Creighton University. Congratulations!
– Dr. Sade Kosoko-Lasaki
Sade Kosoko-Lasaki, MD, MSPH, MBA Associate Vice Provost Health Sciences Director, Post Baccalaureate/Pre-Matriculation Programs, Professor. Ophthalmology
2016 HS-MACA Awards and Recognition Ceremony
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Creighton University School of Dentistry Administration from L to R: Mark A. Latta, DMD, Dean CUSOD and Neil S. Norton, PhD, Associate Dean for Admissions
Thank you to Creighton University School of
Dentistry for their support of our department,
our students and the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-
Dental Program.
– HS-MACA
Gregory L. Davis, BA, DDS Assistant Clinical Professor, CUSOD
Faculty Advisor, SNDA
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“It’s more than just dentistry. You are improving
someone’s quality of life.”
- Lieutenant Alvin Samuels, DDS ’15, Post-Bac Alum 2010-2011
Post-Bac Alumni from L to R: Michaela Gabaldon, D4; Bre’on Anderson, D4; Robert Robinson, D4 and Christian Villegas, D4 (2018 CUSOD Graduates)
Seniors
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“We met in undergrad at Xavier University of
Louisiana where we both were Biology and Chemistry
majors. We soon became study buddies and soon
enough we became a couple. We both aspired to
become dentists that later allowed our teamwork to
help us succeed in dental school together at Creighton
University.
We have been together for about a decade and have
learned how to impact the lives of others in a special
way and develop a great relationship while at the
same time live out God’s plan for our lives!
It’s a known fact that professional school requires a
lot of sacrifice but doing this together makes it so
much more worth it. Believe it or not it’s challenging
trying to succeed in professional school alone. I thank
God for allowing us to cross paths and ultimately
allowing us to strive for greatness together.
Being away from home, family and our comfort zones,
we learned how to support each other, grow with
each other, understand each other, succeed with each
other and most importantly LIVE IN THE IMAGE AND
LIKENESS OF GOD!
After educating ourselves we decided to do things our
way and go from Drs. to Mr./Mrs. We will be
graduating in May of this year from Creighton
University School of Dentistry and we couldn’t be
more excited.”
- R. Robinson & B. Anderson
Bre’on Anderson, D4, CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2013-2014; Robert Robinson, D4, CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2012-2013
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Bre’on Anderson, D4 CUSOD, Post-Class of 2013-2014
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Robert Robinson, D4 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2012-2013
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“HS-MACA has been instrumental in making
my reality possible. I spent an entire decade
in the hallways of HS-MACA learning from
various mentors working to improve my craf t
from high school through dental school. Were
it not for the mentors in HS-MACA, I would not
be the dentist I am today. HS-MACA provided
resources and a family for students of diverse
backgrounds that facilitated our success. HS -
MACA made the life that I enjoy possible and
for that, I am sincerely grateful.” – A. Samuels
Wait-listed. That was my introduction to Dentistry. During my senior year of college at Creighton University, I was “wait-listed” at Creighton University School of Dentistry. I made a conscious-decision not to give up on my goal of becoming a dentist. I accepted a position to increase my competitiveness by participating in the Post-Baccalaureate program via the Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs Department (HS-MACA). After successful completion of the Post-Bac program, I began dental school and commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy through the Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). Dental School proved to be very difficult. The juggling act of patient care, lab work, homework, and life is very demanding. To make matters worse, my father suddenly passed in my sophomore year. I seriously contemplated leaving school, but my support system, including mentors at HS-MACA, encouraged me to persevere through that difficult time.
I was able to persevere by finding meaning in my work; I did so by volunteering my skills where a dental need existed. I found a passion for volunteering at community health clinics such as One World
Community Health Center and the Charles Drew Health Center. Giving my work purpose, gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that I was serving others with my developing skill set. After graduation, I took my skill set to serve as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Currently, I serve as the Dental Department Assistant Division Officer aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, an aircraft carrier out of Norfolk, Virginia. My department is responsible for the oral health of 3,500 of our nation’s sailors. When not serving as a dental officer, I volunteer at local community health clinic, staying true to my Creighton University Values. At home, I experience my favorite job of being a husband and a father. My work/life balance has brought me great joy. The trials and tribulations along my journey have made the joy that I now experience more rewarding.
Alvin R. Samuels, Jr., DDS ‘15 Lieutenant, Dental Corps, United States Navy, Assistant Dental Officer – USS GEORGE WASHINGTON
Lieutenant Alvin R. Samuels, Jr., DDS ‘15 Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2010-2011
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Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2016-2017 (L to R: Yemi Ajayi, Kyla Combs, Abraham Robles, Silvia Nweze, Karina Bethea), D1’s, CUSOD
My passion for dentistry began very early in my life. As a young child, I had a quarter- sized gap between my front two teeth. Given my limited resources and knowledge, I created my own set of braces using paper clips. Finally, in 7th grade I began orthodontic treatment and throughout my checkups I became more intrigued and inquisitive about the field of dentistry as a whole. The results of my treatment were outstanding and established confidence and happiness in my smile I had never had before.
I grew up as a military child, learning the value of leadership, being adaptive, and also learning responsibilities of adjusting to different standards of living and rules, as well as developing good relationships with people. This transitional lifestyle forced me to embrace change and appreciate diversity and different cultures. This lifestyle was instrumental in molding my understanding for sacrifices, having a willingness to adapt, and a creative mindset regarding my approach to problem solving. I grew up seeing both of my parents provide selfless service to the Nation and have also witnessed them as impactful leaders to their community. With two awesome examples in my life, I too wanted to serve others as well as my country. My journey to becoming a dental student was laden with various challenges. As a nontraditional student, I worked after graduation, took several graduate level courses, and completed Creighton University’s Post-Baccalaureate Program. This program helped solidify my basis in science courses, re-instill my confidence in academics, and has
afforded me the opportunity to attend Dental school. Today, African-American dentist make up only 3.3-3.8% of working dentist in the United States, and even less than that are African-American female dentist. Also 0.4% of the American population serves in the military, and African-Americans make up only 13% of officers serving in the U.S. Army. Having been blessed now as a First-Year Dental student and Officer in the United States Army, I am honored.
-Karina Bethea
Karina Bethea, D1, CUSOD Post-Bac Class of 2016-2017
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2017-2018 Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class (L to R: Tyresha Pitts, Robbie Herron, Leslie Lopez, Uchenna Umerah, Ardash Crowfoot, Chidi Ezeokoli)
Tyresha Pitts, Class Leader Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2017-2018
“I am the greatest! I said that even before I knew I was!” the late great Muhammad Ali once said. This emphatic quote has had an astounding affect on maintaining my confidence and strengthening my determination in my decision to pursue a career in dentistry. As a person of color, I witnessed first-hand both family and community members greet healthcare and physicians with cynicism and fear due to the pervasive effects of socioeconomic and health disparities within my community. These disparities have been largely influential in my desire to uplift those around me. Though steadfast in my aspiration to achieve a doctorate of dental sciences, acceptance into a dental school previously eluded me. Throughout my collegiate career, there were many unforeseen hindrances that I had to acknowledge and resolve before becoming a competitive candidate for a dental academic program. Discovering the HS-MACA Post-Baccalaureate program at Creighton University has provided a robust opportunity to strengthen my academic background, as well as my character as an aspiring healthcare professional. My tenure with the program has thoroughly developed my understanding of the profession and its impact on the community. The magnitude of excellence that the program imparts on its students is of the highest caliber. The rigorous curriculum is wonderfully well rounded, challenging, and rewarding. It provides a realistic understanding of what to anticipate in dental school as well as the expectations and opportunities that we will experience as leaders within our communities upon completion of our programs. I feel extremely blessed to have been welcomed into the HS-MACA family. I am
grateful for the diverse relationships that we have cultivated during my tenure with
the program and trust that I will continue moving forward together to improve the
world around me.
-Tyresha Pitts
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My journey to dentistry has been nearly a decade in the making, but every challenge and achievement that led me to this incredible point in my life has taught me the importance of striving for my place in the field of dentistry, as a first-generation Hispanic woman. I was born in San Bernardino, California where my parents and extended family migrated to from Mexico in hopes of opportunities for improved lives. I could not be prouder of the tireless efforts they all made in developing a foundation for the continuous progress of family members to come, however, I witnessed generation after generation dropping out of high school, working hard at blue-collar jobs, and among their struggle never mentioning education as a gateway for something better. It was in fifth grade when I started volunteering at a retirement home with mentally ill individuals that I first began envisioning myself as healthcare provider, and upon entering high school I knew that if I wanted to put an end to that familial trend, then is when I had to make it happen. I ended up graduating high school third in my class and earning the American Citizenship Award for my community and school involvement. During high school and throughout college, the hardest part
of my education was feeling alone in my pursuit. Not only was I the first in my entire family to be accepted into college with a full-ride, I was the first to ever apply. I was seventeen years old when I moved out of my parents’ home to attend college in a different state, but by deciding to embark on that journey I was guaranteeing that no one in my family would feel that way again. I arrived on campus simply put knowing nothing, from what a credit meant to how I was even going to become a dentist.
I began actively seeking mentorship from dental professionals, advisors, professors, peers, tutors, and anyone else I could to learn what it takes to be successful in college and become a dentist. With the guidance of mentors, I am gradually becoming a better student and person, and it is thanks to them that today I can honestly say I feel ready for dental school. During my first semester enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Dental Program I made the Dean’s List, which, to me, signified my ability to achieve academic excellence. As an underrepresented student, my path in life has been shaped by an understanding of the importance of diversity in medicine. Having been in parallel need to those I will serve as a dentist, I have always had a natural inclination to focus my career on public health dentistry. As most minorities, it is my desire to serve those in underserved communities similar to the ones we are from, thereby decreasing disparities in the access to healthcare and quality of care. Through our hard work driven by passion, determination, and knowing when to seek help or offer it, I guarantee that we will all make it and open the door for others.
-Leslie Lopez
“Creighton University’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Dental Program
showed me the importance of work ethic, collaboration among
my peers, and doctor-patient communication. Going through the
program reinforced my commitment to providing affordable,
quality dental care to underrepresented populations and being a
leader in my community." – R. Herron ‘18
Leslie Lopez, Class Leader Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2017-2018
Gary “Robbie” Herron, Social Class Leader Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2017-2018
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It still hasn’t hit me, but today I am at less than
one month away from graduating from dental
school. For many years this accomplishment was
an unattainable dream, but today after years of
hard work and dedication this dream is essentially
a reality. It is clear to me that becoming a dentist
would have not become true if it wasn’t for the
love and support of family members, friends and
mentors that I have met throughout my life. I
would truly like to thank all my mother, brother,
close family members who were the first to always
believe in me, friends and mentors at the HS-
MACA office and at the Creighton University
School of Dentistry for academically supporting me
and for improving my chances to be successful.
California
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Christian Villegas, D4 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2013-2014
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I am extremely grateful that Creighton University Health Sciences Multicultural and Community
Affairs and Creighton University School of Dentistry provided me with the opportunity to pursue my life-long
dream of becoming a dentist. ”The post-baccalaureate program and Creighton
University School of Dentistry have enriched my education both clinically
and socially.” Both have always served to remind me of my passion to serve underserved communities.
Furthermore, both programs have continued to provide me with continued support to further ensure my
success.
I immediately knew that I wanted to start my dental career in public health so I decided to apply for
the National Health Service Corps Scholarship nearing the end of the post-baccalaureate program. With the
support of my mentors Dr. Sade Kosoko-Lasaki and Dr. Charles Tatlock, I applied and was fortunate to be
awarded a four-year scholarship. It is in my perspective that the National Health Service Corps Scholarship
serves to empower healthcare providers to make meaningful impacts within the communities that they serve.
The scholarship has not only provided me with financial support but it has also provided me guidance from
mentors who have previously received the scholarship. By supporting healthcare providers who are dedicated
to serving the needs of the underserved population this scholarship ensures that providers have more time to
spend on their education and gain the clinical experience needed to become better healthcare providers who
are culturally and socially aware.
I have the privilege to observe and experience a continuous sense of reward that comes with treating
patients during my clinical experience here at Creighton University School of Dentistry. My unforgettable
experiences as a pre-dental student and dental student have allowed me to accumulate a considerable
amount of clinical experience and values, both of which have reinvigorated my passion to serve my
community and pursue a career in public health dentistry. I cannot express how much impact the Creighton
University Health Sciences – Multicultural and Community Affairs Post-Baccalaureate program and the
National Health Service Corps Scholarship has made on me personally and professionally. In closing, I would
like to say that both programs have helped me to achieve my dreams and my success and both have
continued to provide me with support throughout my time here at Creighton. I would like to encourage any
future healthcare professionals interested in public health to consider applying to these programs.
Tony Nguyen
“The post-baccalaureate program
and the school of dentistry have
enriched my education both
clinically and socially.”
- T. Nguyen
Tony Nguyen, D3, CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2014-2015
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I am currently a third-year student at
Howard University College of Dentistry. This past
summer I had the privilege of going on a 15 day
Medical/Dental Mission Trip to Nigeria and
Ghana. While in Nigeria my team and I served
the Bakassi people in Cross River State
who have lost the land they once
called home after the settlement of
a geopolitical dispute between
Nigeria and Cameroon. In Ghana
we served the people of Bekwai
in the Ashanti Region. “I’ve
been able to apply what
I learned about health
disparities and cultural
competency while at
Creighton University as a
student in HS-MACA’s post-baccalaureate
program.” I am now grateful to have been given the opportunity
to experience the culture of the Bakassi people and Ashanti people as
a dental student. My journey has started to come full circle. Since
completing the post-baccalaureate program at Creighton University, I
have had time to reflect on the many lessons that I have learned from
the experience; I understand that there continues to be a problem
with access to healthcare in the U.S and internationally. As a
diversity student it is up to me to bring my own perspective as I
continue my journey to become a competent and compassionate health care
professional. – Ekow Acquaah
Ekow “Solomon” Acquaah, D3, Howard University
Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2013-2014
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“I remember the daunting feeling of living somewhere new for five years...FIVE whole years. It may not sound like a lot, but in my mind, to be moving away from the state I grew up in, away from all of my friends and family seemed unrealistic. But now as I plan for graduation from Creighton University School of Dentistry to have those same loved ones join me at my Hooding Ceremony and Graduation, I am pleased to say I have been blessed to find new loved ones in Omaha to also join me on that day. My first day of post-bac was filled with inspiration by all of the
staff, but also caused some anxiety. To think I, Michaela Gabaldon would go through this program and one day become a dentist was unfathomable. I remember Dr. Kosoko-Lasaki, Mr. Lang, and Mr. Bunch being so encouraging and making the Post Bac Class of 2014 seem like the most chosen and wanted class. They had such faith in us and in their program that they instilled that same faith with me. Without them believing in me, I honestly do not know if I would have had the faith to believe in myself. That year was one of the most challenging years of my life. I had to “trim down some branches” in my life, and Post-bac helped me prune, to eventually help me grow. I can for a fact say that I would not have survived dental school without the rigorous curriculum and educational pruning the post-bac exposed me to. I flourished in dental school and know who I owe it to. I owe it to those who supported me, believed in me when I did not, and challenged me to become a better student and overall person”
– M. Gabaldon
“I owe it to my family, my friends,
and without a doubt, HS-MACA for
giving me the chance that no one
else would; giving me the chance to
become the first dentist in my
family and to serve on a Native
American reservation.”
–Michaela Gabaldon
Michaela Gabaldon, D4, CUSOD; Post-Bac Class of 2013-2014 and her parents 2016 CUSOD White Coat Ceremony
Michaela Gabaldon, D4 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2013-2014
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Mini Health Sciences School
Impressions Day Cinco De Mayo
Randy Wells, D2 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2015-2016
Bre’on Anderson, D4 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2013-2014 Karina Bethea, D1 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2016-2017
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Two Words Throughout my life I had always heard the saying, "No man (or woman) is an island." I had spent most of my life, my undergraduate career, and my post-baccalaureate year trying to prove that saying wrong. It wasn't until I started professional school, that I began to realize why I had been told that so many times. Dental school has been a unique experience. I have had some great joys and equally great challenges throughout this experience. Throughout the various adversities I have encountered, it has always been reassuring to know that I have my home base rooting for me, advocating for me, and more importantly, letting me be heard. In an academic environment where encouragement is sometimes viewed as unnecessary, or worse, weakness, it has been reassuring to know that I could always go to HS-MACA, my home away from home to help me re-charge. As I come up on my final year of dental school, I can't help but ask myself the quintessential questions: "knowing what you know now, would you do it all over again? And how?" The difficulties of the last few years cause me to pause because to me the question really is asking:" if you knew how much you would end up persevering, would you allow yourself to endure all of the challenges again?" But do you know what pushes me to say, “yes?” I'll give you a hint: it's not dentures, extractions, fillings, or board exams. It's when I think of some of the amazing people I have met, who I otherwise may never have crossed paths with. Because to me those are the memories I'll carry with me the most when I graduate. With that being said, I'll end this the best way I can. Thank you to HS-MACA and CUSOD Angel Ogbeide
Angel Ogbeide, D3 CUSOD, Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2013-2014 w/ twin brother, Dr. Matthew Ogbeide, CUSOM and Post-Bac Premedical Class of 2012-2013
Angel Ogbeide, D3, Post-Bac Alum 2016 CUSOD White Coat Ceremony
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We were raised in a home that placed a high value on obtaining an education and service. My father set the example for us by obtaining an M.B.A. and serving as a leader in our Native American tribe and community. We had a picture in our home with the words of my father,
“Consider who you are - you come from a noble heritage. Just as your forefathers armed themselves for battle by preparing from their youth physically, mentally and spiritually... so we today must also prepare ourselves to fight against poverty, ignorance and a relegated position in society. - Strater J. Crowfoot. Emeritus Chief and Economic Planner Siksika Nation (Northern Blackfoot)a
We feel a personal responsibility to help make the Native American community a better place. The path to dentistry has had many twists and turns. If it were not for HS-MACA’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Dental Program and Creighton University School of Dentistry, our paths may have taken a different course. There have been many setbacks and hardships along the way but through it all we decided long ago that dentistry is what we wanted to do. We have studied together and supported each other along the way. We are excited to continue the journey towards becoming a dentist.
-Strater Crowfoot and Ardash Crowfoot
L to R: Brothers: Ardash Crowfoot, Post-Bac Class of 2017-2018; Strater Crowfoot, D2 CUSOD, Post-Bac Class of 2015-2016
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Leneshia Haynes,
Recipient of the 2018
Creighton University,
Martin Luther King Jr.
Student Leadership
Award After being nominated by the Health
Sciences Multicultural and
Community Affairs office (HS-MACA),
Haynes was selected for
“demonstrating King’s legacy in social
justice and civil rights advocacy
through distinguished civic, cultural
or volunteer service and a
commitment to education and
community ideals espoused by
Creighton’s mission statement.”
A native Chicagoan and former post-baccalaureate student, Haynes is president of the school’s Student
National Dental Association (SNDA). While excelling academically, she has organized events such as fitness
boot camps, community outreach and fundraisers. She demonstrates an ability to work hard while also giving
back to the community.
Leneshia hopes to change the face of dentistry by incorporating education on healthy living, prevention and
awareness in the oral health care of underserved communities. Her passion for dentistry and its ability to
transform patients’ lives motivates her.
“I became the change I wanted to see. At times it was not always easy, but like Martin Luther King, I was determined that if I could not fly I was going to run, and if I could not crawl I was going to keep moving forward, and there was not a c hance that I was going to stop .”
– Leneshia Haynes
“Leneshia is a very outgoing, driven and kind-hearted woman. As a mentor, she is a true inspiration with her hard work, passion for helping others, and dedication to dentistry. After witnessing her work at Creighton’s dental clinic, we know that Leneshia is going to make a phenomenal dentist,” reflected Chidi Ezeokoli, a member of the HS-MACA 2017-2018 Post-Baccalaureate program. “She is caring toward her patients, attends to their needs, and takes her time educating her patients on oral health. We are so proud of Leneshia and wish her well in all of her future endeavors.”
-Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2017-2018
Leneshia Haynes, D3, CUSOD; Post-Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2014-2015 President, Student National Dental Association (SNDA) alongside Dean Latta, CUSOD
2017 CUSOD White Coat Ceremony, Post Bac Pre-Dental Class of 2014-2015 (L to R: Tony Nguyen, Leneshia Haynes, Tobi Odejimi, Ada Reyes), D3’s CUSOD
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Post-Bac and Xavier University Alumni. Currently enrolled in CUSOD
Post-Bac Alumni from l to r: Leneshia Haynes, D3; Jeremy Williams, D2 and Bre’on Anderson, D4
Since the year 2005, HS-MACA has taken pride in the academic achievements of our Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Dental students who have successfully matriculated into Creighton University School of Dentistry and other graduate programs. The mission of HS-MACA is to advocate for overall well-being of our students through academic and student support while addressing large disparities that exist between the proportions of African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans in the nation's dental profession. According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), underrepresented minorities (URMs) together make up almost 30 percent of the US population, however, they comprise only about 6 percent of U.S.
dentists. For years, the ADEA has been diligently working with U.S. dental schools to reduce this disparity by increasing the diversity of their student bodies. However, with approximately 13 percent of first-year dental students coming from URM groups, the proportion of URM
students entering dental school continues to remain significantly below that of the general population.
HS-MACA’s recruitment strategies in collaboration with the dental school are specifically targeted at underrepresented minorities. We have developed our student “pipeline” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) like Xavier University and Morehouse College as well as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI’s) like University of New Mexico, to help us recruit a diverse population of students. Diversifying the dental profession
is important for improving access to care for underrepresented groups, and student diversity provides better educational experiences for all students. As the Recruitment Manager, it isn't just about getting minority students into our post-bac and pre-matric programs. It is equally important to recruit and retain students into dental school. Students are taught to be culturally competent enough to thrive in a majority environment. I am looking for prospective students that are leaders in their field of study, eager to learn, exude a level of professionalism and accepting of individualism.
Mervin Vasser, MPA Assistant Director, HS-MACA Recruitment and Retention Manager
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Total # of
Students
* Total # in
Clinical Practice
Total # in
Dental School
Total # of
Current Students
Other Post
Graduate Programs
Unknown
Wherabouts
66 35 20 6 5 0
States where students are practicing Dentistry
CA, FL, KS, HI, IA, NM, TX
* General clinical practice is defined as general dentistry
Since 2005, HS-MACA has maintained a relationship with
Creighton University School of Dentistry, which has resulted in
cultivating a group of culturally competent, compassionate,
dentists that contribute to a future where all patients receive the
same quality of care and understanding. Sixty-six pre-
dental students have successfully
completed the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-
Dental Program. 100% percent of our post-
bac students have matriculated into dental
school with 65 students enrolling into Creighton University
School of Dentistry and 1 into Howard University Dental School.
With the recruitment and retention efforts of
HS-MACA and the support of Creighton
University School of Dentistry 86% of
eligible students have graduated
and earned their DDS Degree. We
continue to make strides in bridging the
achievement gap amongst minority enrollment
into dental school. Creighton University School
of Dentistry understands the role of HS-MACA
and helps to develop students that carry out the
mission and vision of HS-MACA, Credo of
Creighton University School of Dentistry and the
Jesuit values Creighton University.
- Mervin D. Vasser
Post-Bac and University of New Mexico Alumni. Currently enrolled in CUSOD
Table 1: Dental Student Tracking Since 2005
Graduated CUSOD
50%
Graduate, Other
2% Non Graduate
CUSOD 7%
Other 1%
Enrolled CUSOD
40% Figure 1: Overall Pre-Dental Statistics since 2005. Based on a total of 66 students.
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In the 2009 ADEA symposium, “Imagine A School Without Diversity: Challenges Faced
in Creating a 21st Century Diverse Dental Workforce,” the role of diversity and the
challenges posed were discussed. Educating practicing dentists that look like and
understand their clients to develop trust became the major theme of the conference.
As recently as 2016 the underrepresented (URM) dental school applicants reached
15.2% with roughly half being female. Although strides are being made in creating a
workforce that resembles the population, more URM students are needed.
The URM students that Creighton University’s Post-Baccalaureate Program
matriculate into dental school are thriving and serve as agents of change. To
prepare these students, we focus on strategy instruction and implicit beliefs. Once
students think about their
learning approach, they become
more purposeful learners. The
biggest difference I see between
our students and non-URM
students is that our students are
just learning the strategies in
the post-bac program. Schools
and pipeline programs are
excellent avenues for providing
strategy instruction prior to
college.
Along with strategy instruction,
belief in one’s ability is vital to
success in dental school. The
model used to promote belief in one’s ability is the Dweck and Leggett (1988) Socio-Cognitive Model of
Motivation from which the term Growth Mindset comes. The first node of the model identifies a person’s
implicit theory or belief in one’s ability. This belief determines how a student approaches testing situations
and the outcome behaviors. We focus on developing an implicit theory that ability is malleable. Students
with this approach tend to see testing as a learning event and attribute success or failure to strategy use and
effort. Entity theorists think that their ability is a fixed trait. Not only is this false, but this belief can lead to
negative outcomes. Testing is a threat and avoidance is a common behavior. To prepare our students for
their dental education we focus on developing an incremental implicit theory so they will utilize strategies,
value effort and display more resilience in general. –Jeffrey Lang
URM dental students are not significantly different from their non-URM counterparts except that
they are less likely to be trained to utilize effective strategies and see themselves as a work in
progress, not having a fixed ability. Once our students realize these things they go on to perform
well. “I know our program works but I wish we could reach more URM students earlier in their
education to increase the number applying to dental school.” – J. Lang
Post-Bac Alumni from L to R: Angel Ogbeide, D3, Tobi Odejimi, D3, Kyla Combs, D1
Jeffrey Lang, MS Assistant Director, Academic
Enrichment, HS-MACA
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Post-Bac Alumni from L to R: Jeremy Williams D2; Strater Crowfoot, D2; Matthew Adams, D2; Randy Wells, D2; Kyle Debungie, D2
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Post-Bac Alumni from L to R: Karina Bethea, D1; Kyla Combs, D1; Bre’on Anderson, D4; Yemi Ajayi, D1; Michaela Gabaldon, D4, Angel Ogbeide, D3, Leneshia Haynes, D3; Ada Reyes, D3
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Post-Bac Alumni from L to R: Tobi Odejimi, D3; Tony Nguyen, D3; Abraham Robles, D1; Jeremy Williams, D2; Robert Robinson, D4; Matthew Adams, D2; Strater Crowfoot, D2; Randy Wells, D2; Kyle Debungie, D2
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Creighton University School of Dentistry
Creighton University School of Medicine
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Bre’on Anderson
Ramon Chavez
Pharmacy
Jarrod Kirksey
Pharmacy
Boussina Moussa
Pharmacy
Britney Bell
Internal Medicine
Brittany Simon
OB/GYN
Sarah Nguyen
Family Medicine Ciera Oshodi
OB/GYN
Robert Robinson Christian Villegas Michaela Gabaldon
Andrew Rodriguez
Physical Therapy
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Creighton University School of Medicine
Marco Almeda
Britney Bell
Sheila Bhavsar
Kiana Block
Mark Castera
Steve Chacko
Garret Chan
Brian Dang
Elicia Fernandez
Javaneh Jabbari
Michelle Jaehning
Jasmine Jou
Santi Karnam
Ian Kozlowski
Christine Kwon
Timothy Liu
Thuthiri Lwin
Julie Ma
David Maas
Rohit Mauria
Turna Mukherjee
Jeannie Ngo
Austin Nguyen
Bao Chau Nguyen
Michelle Nguyen
Sarah Nguyen
Seella Nimmo
John Ning
Caleb Nyone
Ciera Oshodi
Pooja Patel
Priya Patel
Shreya Patel
Christina Rei
Leonardo Rozal
Joseph Saffold (December 2018)
Sonia Shah
Roman Shrestha
Brittany Simon
Manuel Urra
Ian Welsh
Thomas Williams
Creighton University School of Dentistry Bre’on Monique Anderson Michaela C. Gabaldon Daisy Luis Liberato
James Edward Cantua Vicotoria Ann Mierkey Nikolaas Enrique Reyna
Ethan Cole Edminsten Robert Robinson III Christian Villegas
(Underrepresented Minorities)
College of Nursing
Archana Kayastha Nata Matthews LeeAnn Hansen
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Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Physical Therapy
Qianqian Chen Joe Escobedo Patrick Ford
Marissa Gradoz Reana Lee Laura Nelson
Lyndsay Provencio Andrew Rodriguez Alexa Wright
Occupational Therapy
Myrel Agbayani Christine Chong Andrei Paz
Yali Wang Qi Zhang Fabiola Alcala
Michelle Warner LeNia Goff Sandy Ngo
Megan Fleming Jenna Hall Amanda Lee
Ashley Rauert Loc Valencia Janel Bellarmino
Juan Wu Yi Zeng
Pharmacy -Campus
Meghashree Bose Juan Castro Jimmy Chan
Ramon Chavez Jr. Mark Chee Lauren Chinen
Christopher Cho Elizabeth Choi May Chun
Walter Frank Eng Anita Giri Sunita Giri
Nicole Huynh Yongjoon Jung Gina Kalinowski
Jungeun Kim Sora Kim Jarrod Kirksey
Britney Lau Quynh Nhu Le Kyeong Min Lee
Kimberly Leong Rachel Lindberg Noe Lugo
Khanh Mai Kelsie Matsuura Paige Meade
Gerardo Montoya Jr. Boussina Moussa Steven Ngo
Man Nguyen Jacqueline Paluch Priya Patel
Zalak Patel Long Phan Gregory Pon
Tho Profera Andrew Pun Daniel Ramirez
Nguyen Tran Kristina Williams Martin Yu
Tony Zheng
Pharmacy – Distance
Divine Agbale Cornelius Bondzi Chui Chan
Stephanie Cox Joseph Davis Akoaya Ekukanju
Iris Fung Stephanie Hartje Chaunceia Hughley-Valentine
Julia Kim Jin Koo Vivian Luu
Dorothy Ming’ate Camtu Nguyen Vanna Sada
Touhida Zannat
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Errik Ejike (HS-MACA Staff) and JoAnna LeFlore, Engaged December 27, 2017
(Post-Bac Alum) Robert Robinson and Bre’on Anderson, Engaged February 11, 2018
Ryan Inouye, DDS (Post-Bac Alum) and Jhenevieve Enriquez, Married March 24, 2018
Adrian Sandoval, DDS (Post-Bac Alum) and Vanessa Sandoval, Married October 15, 2016
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Sade Kosoko-Lasaki, MD, MSPH, MBA
Associate Vice Provost – Health Sciences Professor of Surgery (Ophthalmology),
Professor of Preventative Medicine [email protected]
Tracy Monahan, MBA
Senior Finance Director [email protected]
Mervin Vasser, MPA
Assistant Director, Recruitment/Retention Manager
Jeff Lang, MS
Assistant Director, Academic Enrichment
Richard Brown, PhD, FACHE
CPHHE-REACH Executive Director [email protected]
Larissa Sanon
Post-Baccalaureate Coordinator [email protected]
Errik Ejike, MPH
CPHHE Supervisor [email protected]
Jennifer Klimowicz, BS
Research and Program Manager [email protected]
Raheem Sanders, MPH
CPHHE-REACH Data Coordinator [email protected]
Aminatu Issaka, MS
CPHHE-REACH Program Supervisor [email protected]
Elaine Ickes, BS
Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Juan Montoya, MBA
CPHHE Program Coordinator [email protected]
Bryan Benson, BA
Pipeline Program Assistant [email protected]
HS-MACA Staff
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To learn more about the Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs
Department (HS-MACA), please call (402) 280-2124 or Toll Free: 1-855-770-2700. Visit
our website: https://healthsciences.creighton.edu/diversity
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jenn
Layout and Design by Mervin Vasser; Edited by Dr. S. Kosoko-Lasaki and Jennifer Klimowicz;
Photography by Juan Montoya and Ardash Crowfoot