Improving Access to Oral Health for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations

Transcription

1 Improving Access to Oral Health for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations California Report Dissemination Workshop San Francisco, CA August 4, 2011

2 Sandra Clark Bolivar, J.D. Assistant Dean Admissions, Minority and Student Affairs Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

3 4,

4 THE USC EXPERIENCE

5 Ostrow School Profile DDS Applicant pool is one of largest and most diverse in the country 2011 received 3,315 For past 10 years received at least one application from each U.S. states and District of Columbia as well as from 22 nations Entrance surveys show that 30% entering students indicate an interest in working in an underserved area or community clinic upon graduation Approximately 75% of our students report that they are the first from their family to attend college

6 Profile continued: Average age - 25 ranging from 21 to 45 Tuition (2011) $72, 306 Nearly 95% of our students receive financial assistance to fund their studies The average indebtedness of graduates is $200,000

7 The USC Experience In 2003 enrolled: Class size 144 Student body -- approximately 45% female Average overall GPA of entering DDS students was 3.42; overall science GPA 3.36 Average DAT: 19 Ethnic Composition: 59 Asian 3 Hispanic Americans 0 Native Americans 1 African American

8 The California Endowment Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ~California Initiative~

9 First we listened: Students self identify for the advisement process; Some students work outside the advisement process ie do it on their own Advisement population is primarily Junior/Senior students late in the process Often students must meet specific GPA and order requirements to participate in on-campus advisement Part-time, reentry students seldom participate in campus advisement Students rely on informal advisement: friends, church and social groups, club and organizations College advisement process overwhelmingly tilted toward medicine

10 Reaching URM/LI Students through partnerships Advisors Science Faculty Science Clubs Special Interest Groups

11 The few strategies (recruitment) Establish BUY IN faculty, students and alums Host area schools - where student participants take tour of USCSD, shadow dental students and hear presentations regarding dental profession Each One/Reach One Development Activities pairs prospective minority applicants with an alum who encourages and mentors applicant Targeted special efforts directed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other colleges and universities rich with students from URM/LI backgrounds Direct mailings and visits to other campuses with large minority undergraduate populations.

12 WHOLE FILE REVIEW (selection) Academic Markers: Science GPA Overall GPA Number of Units DAT scores Course Load Transcript Evaluation trends, advancement toward degree Advanced Degree/Post Bac/SMDEP Personal Interview Non- Cognitive Review: Awards, Honors, Scholarships Dental Experience volunteer, shadowing Extra curricula leadership role, special talents, skill community volunteer, church, boy scouts, mission work, food banks Work Experience, paid, military, self supporting Research published, paid/unpaid Letters of Evaluation Potential for service Beating the Odds 1 st in family to go to school, educational disadvantage, single parent, Unique characteristics, accomplishments, travel, 2 nd career, hobbies, sports, coaching, rural background

13 IT S WHAT S INSIDE THAT COUNTS! Have you participated in any volunteer or community service activities? Do you have any work experience, Tell us the type of work, begin & end dates and average number of hours worked per week for each position. Experience in a dental office or experience in a dental, clinical hospital or laboratory setting? Tell us the type, place, dates and approximate total number of hours for each experience. Any unique characteristics, accomplishments that would bring a diverse perspective coaching, travel, hobbies, scouting, Do you have any research experience? Give the name of principal investigator, location of research project, dates of participation, description of the study and publications.

14 Expand the Network Parents Teachers Faculty Advisors Churches Clubs Fraternal Organizations Practitioners Community Partners Admissions Committee Members Alums

15 A Few Lessons Learned: Tremendous value in collaboration among schools The undergraduate advisement system is uneven and often inadequate must engage other stakeholders There are numerous opportunities to partner with other health professions programs to develop joint recruitment programs aimed at interested students. Bridge Activities ensure that AGE and GRADE appropriate programming is provided to capitalize on the students interest and educational goals Support the development of relationships by focusing on students at a time when they are seriously preparing for their educational and personal futures ie summer programs, observation programs, mentoring programs

16 Make it Achievable YES YOU CAN Scholarships specially targeted for Hispanic and African American students ; personalized counseling on financing dental education Academic Enrichment and Remediation to encourage and empower --Establishment of 2-week summer Dental Explorers Program AND established a 1 year Post Bac Program

17 The Celebration In 2003 enrolled 0 Native American 1 African Americans 3 Hispanic Americans In 2011 will enroll 1 Native American 7 African Americans 8 Hispanic Americans

18 4, 871 number first year enrollees 594 (URMs in 1 st yr classes) 252 African American 318 Hispanic 24 Native Americans 61 (URMs in 1 st yr - Ca schools) 13 African American 44 Hispanic 4 Native American

19