Long‐Term Outcomes of a Dental Postbaccalaureate Program: Increasing Dental Student Diversity and Oral Health Care Access

Abstract

The University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry established the Dental Postbaccalaureate Program in 1998 to provide reapplication assistance to students from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds who were previously denied admission to dental school. The goals were to increase diversity in the dental school student population and improve access to dental services for underserved populations. This article assesses the program's short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes and is the irst to examine long-term practice patterns after a dental postbaccalaureate program. Data collected on all participant (n=94) demographics, pre/post-program DAT scores, and post-program dental school admission results were used to assess short-and mid-term outcomes. Long-term outcomes and practice patterns were assessed using results of a census survey administered between 2009 and 2011 to the participants who had completed dental school and been in practice for at least two years (n=57). The survey had a response rate of 93 percent (n=53). Descriptive statistical techniques were used to examine the responses and to compare them to U.S. Census Bureau data and nationally available practice data for new dental graduates. Program participants' DAT scores improved by an average of two points, and 98 percent were accepted to dental school. All survey respondents were practicing dentistry, and 81 percent reported serving underserved populations. These participants treat more Medicaid recipients than do most dentists, and their patient population is more diverse than the general population. The outcomes demonstrate that the program's graduates are increasing diversity in the dental student population and that their practices are providing access to care for underserved populations.Ms. Wides is Research Analyst,

Improving Diversity of Dental Students Through the Boston University Master's of Oral Health Sciences Postbaccalaureate Program

“…Academic enrichment programs for medical and dental school applicants exist in many formats including summer, 6, 7, 11 – 14 certificate, postbaccalaureate, 13 and master's degree 8, 14, 15 programs. Summer programs such as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at multiple sites nationwide continue to show success 12 .…”

Commentaries on health services research

“…Finally, the retention of racial and ethnic minorities once they are in the profession is another area in need of exploration which may help explain why they are still underrepresented -even if one successfully graduates and obtains a job as a physician or dentist, will they stay?  Undergraduates in a comprehensive program that incorporates academic support, mentoring, and social supports had higher acceptance rates to medical school than nonparticipants (Campbell, et al, 2014)*  Undergraduates in a comprehensive training program that incorporates coursework, advising, mentoring, and practicum experiences was correlated with increase interest and confidence in future career in Maternal and Child Health career (Guerrero, et al 2015)  Dental students in a comprehensive program that incorporates advising, tutoring, psychological counseling, extended curriculum and peer support had retention rates higher than the school average (Lacy, et al, 2011)  Undergraduate students who participated in a comprehensive program that incorporated summer institute, targeted recruitment, and internships reported the program influenced their decision to pursue a career as a cancer researcher (Pasick, et al, 2012)  Participation in a comprehensive post-baccalaureate program resulted in improved DAT scores, acceptance to dental schools, and graduation rates higher than the national average for dental schools (Wides, et al, 2013…”

A Comparison of Seven Predental Postbaccalaureate Programs in Gaining Dental School Acceptance for Their Students

“…Many of these students were not accepted in their initial attempts for admission to dental school because of low academic scores, some because of economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. These postbac programs create an opportunity for dental school admission to many students who may otherwise have been excluded from the profession of dentistry and thus contribute to diversifying the population of dental students and thus of practicing dentists 14 , 15 …”