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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 skosoko@creighton.edu

Tracy Monahan, MBA

Senior Finance Director tmonahan@creighton.edu

Mervin Vasser, MPA

Assistant Director, Recruitment/Retention Manager

mervinvasser@creighton.edu

Jeff Lang, MS

Assistant Director, Academic Enrichment

jeffreylang@creighton.edu

Richard Brown, PhD, FACHE

CPHHE-REACH Executive Director richardbrown@creighton.edu

Larissa Sanon

Post-Baccalaureate Coordinator larissasanon@creighton.edu

Errik Ejike, MPH

CPHHE Supervisor errikejike@creighton.edu

Jennifer Klimowicz, BS

Research and Program Manager jenniferklimowicz@creighton.edu

Raheem Sanders, MPH

CPHHE-REACH Data Coordinator raheemsanders@creighton.edu

Aminatu Issaka, MS

CPHHE-REACH Program Supervisor AminatuMatike-Tita@creighton.edu

Elaine Ickes, BS

Administrative Assistant elaineickes@creighton.edu

Juan Montoya, MBA

CPHHE Program Coordinator juanmontoya@creighton.edu

Bryan Benson, BA

Pipeline Program Assistant bryanbenson@creighton.edu

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