Starting in the spring of 2023, students from Louisville’s Central High School have had the chance to get early experience in dentistry through a new collaboration between the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and Jefferson County Public Schools.

Led by ULSD graduate Rodshay Brooks, DH ’13, the Central High School Dental Magnet program is breaking new ground. “The Historic Central High School is the only school in the state of Kentucky with a dental career pathway or magnet, which makes us the perfect school for ULSD to partner with,” Brooks says.

The program provides mentorship opportunities in two areas:
• Clinical – JCPS students pursuing the dental assistant career pathway participate in the mentorship program by observing clinical patient interactions.
• Radiography – An opportunity to develop radiography skills through hands-on learning.

Students selected for the program visit the School of Dentistry throughout the school year and take part in a wide range of hands-on activities. “We’ve done X-rays and CPR,” says program  participant Jackiya. “We’ve also learned … terms, teeth numbers, fillings, and instruments.” 

Dr. Sherry Babbage, DMD ’81, and Rodshay Brooks, DH ’13, supervise as program participants practice injections.		Central High School Dental Magnet program participants are excited after completing a dental radiology training session.

Program participant Amileon says it’s never too early to learn. “There are so many things you can learn while you are in high school that can transform to becoming a dental assistant when you graduate.”

Students in the program also learn about different careers in dentistry and various dental specialties. Program participant Javae says that has helped her gain deeper understanding of her options in the future. “Coming here and doing hands-on things gives us a better idea of what we want to do.”

“The Historic Central High School is the only school in the state of Kentucky with a dental career pathway or magnet, which makes us the perfect school for ULSD to partner with.”
- Rodshay Brooks, DH ’13, Dental Magnet Instructor

Another benefit of the program is creating connections with the University of Louisville, including an understanding of the admissions process for the DMD and Dental Hygiene programs. Brooks  says that made a difference for the first group of graduates: “Upon graduating from the ULSD program, students felt a belonging on the campus.”

Finally, due to the demographics of Central High School students, the program has an added benefit, Brooks says. “Many students from Central High School graduate and attend ULSD, increasing diversity in the dental field.”

Based on the success of the first year, the program will be back next year. “Students responded to the program with enthusiasm and the hunger to have a dental career intensified,” Brooks says. “As an alumnus of CHS and ULSD, I am excited to continue the CHS/ULSD Pipeline.”

This article is from the Spring/Summer 2023 edition of the ULSD newsletter

August 8, 2023