Myram Brady, Principal, Lawrence County High School, Guest Contributor
Two years ago, Lawrence County High School embarked on an exciting journey to expand learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. By fostering community partnerships, the school has attracted a wealth of support from various individuals and organizations eager to contribute.
The initiative gained momentum when the principal, Mrs. Brady, whose husband had recently graduated with a dental hygienist degree, discovered a growing interest among students in pursuing dental careers. This led to a pivotal partnership with Dr. Mark Lester, a local dentist and alumnus of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD). Dr. Lester proposed collaborating with his alma mater to create a unique opportunity for students.
As Kentucky’s flagship, land-grant institution, UKCD is dedicated to enhancing oral health across the state. Annually, UKCD allocates 40 of its 65 dental school spots to Kentucky applicants. However, a significant challenge remains: many graduates do not return to practice in underserved areas of the Commonwealth.
To address this, UKCD developed the Pathways to Dentistry program. This innovative framework aims to identify students from rural areas interested in dentistry, support them throughout their academic journey, and maintain their connection to their home communities. The program offers comprehensive support from high school through undergraduate studies and dental school.
The success of the Pathways to Dentistry program hinges on collaboration between local dentists, school systems, and community members, including 4-H agents and health departments. Each community can tailor the program to meet its specific needs.
Lawrence County and Fulton County were selected as pilot locations for the Pathways to Dentistry program. A dedicated workgroup, comprising representatives from various local organizations, has already begun implementing the program in Lawrence County. The first major activity featured Dr. Marc Lester, who participated in Bridge Day, offering a hands-on introduction to dentistry. Many more activities are planned throughout the year, aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation of dental professionals.
The 24-25 school year will be the startup of this program at Lawrence County High School. The students interested in pursuing the dental field will complete the courses laid out by the Kentucky Department of Education with our health care teachers and will internship with Dr. Marc Lester. Below are the courses students will be participating in completing the top three and Allied Health Core Skills.
We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to our students at Lawrence County High School. Launching a new program, particularly one as specialized as dentistry, has its challenges. Initially, our courses mirrored the existing nursing classes, with additional dental components integrated into the curriculum.
Dr. Marc Lester, alongside our dedicated staff, embraced this challenge wholeheartedly. Understanding that student success was paramount, they collaborated to establish the necessary classes and internships, ensuring the students received comprehensive support.
Currently, we are addressing the challenge of equipping our classroom with essential dental instruments, a dental chair, and an autoclave. These tools are crucial for students to apply their learning in a practical setting, reinforcing the skills they gain during their dental office internships. Thankfully, we have the backing of individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of this field and are assisting us in securing these supplies.
Our goal is to provide students with extensive opportunities to explore the dental field and the support they need to pursue a career in dentistry. Partnering with UKCD has been instrumental, as their research highlights the growing demand for professionals in this area.
We are excited to offer this program to our students, contributing to their futures and the overall health of our community. This initiative represents a significant step towards meeting the increasing need for dental professionals in underserved areas.
