Newark High Schoolers Get Exposure to Dentistry

Placing dental sealants, attaching brackets for braces, and distinguishing between gingivitis and periodontitis—these may sound unfamiliar to most, but not to the students of East Side High School and Science Park High School.

At a full-day Discovering Dentistry Symposium organized by Planet Smilez in collaboration with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM), these high schoolers dipped their fingers into the dental profession through immersive activities. The day began with a symbolic white coat ceremony, welcoming students into the field as oral health professionals for the day. They then rotated through six interactive stations led by RSDM students, where they learned about oral health, its connection to systemic health, and common dental procedures. At the end, they received a certificate of completion.

“The idea is to expose high school students who are underrepresented in the profession, plant the seed of dentistry, and get dental students volunteers to help,” said Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry Mary Beth Giacona.

The event is the brainchild of pediatric dentist Kathryn Pawlak, who founded Planet Smilez as a pre-dental student after realizing the need for oral health education for youth. As a New Jersey native, she wanted to bring her program to the Garden State and received support from the Delta Dental Institute Oral Health Diversity Fund. Pawlak connected with RSDM with a recommendation from the Assistant Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Health Division of Community Health Services Nashon Hornsby, who oversees oral health services for the state.

Hornsby was a former patient at RSDM when he didn’t have dental insurance. “[RSDM] was available to provide dental care to me and to my family at that time,” he said. Besides knowing the school’s impact on the community first-hand, he also knew RSDM’s commitment to expanding access and bringing underrepresented people into the profession. “This pathway work is about addressing oral health in the context of a bigger concern, and that's the overall health of people,” said Hornsby. “The more young people are introduced to that, the greater appreciation they will have for their own personal oral health and for those around them—their cousins, siblings, parents.”

The high school participants were thrilled with the opportunity. Science Department Chair at East Side High School Minal Thakur said: “[Students] were super into it, and they really enjoyed the whole experience working with professionals. They had a lot of questions about their careers.”

Sydney Goldberg, a Dental Scholars Master's Student at Rutgers planning to attend dental school, volunteered and was personally inspired by the event. “I think it helps remind students of the bigger purpose to support and inspire our community,” she said. “It was amazing to see the dental students so engaged with the children.”

Among the RSDM volunteers was Cole Clapperton ’27. “It was a fantastic experience; one I’m thankful to have been a part of,” said Clapperton, who is passionate about dentistry and sharing his passion with others. “The best part of the event was seeing students’ faces light up when they successfully performed tasks like suturing– watching their excitement as they gained confidence in new skills,” he said. “It was incredibly rewarding to teach curious students and to help them discover their interest in the dental profession.”

Pawlak was deeply inspired by the dedication of RSDM students who volunteered their time even while preparing for final exams. “The students from Rutgers were outstanding. Our youth participants really connected with them because of how relatable, approachable, and enthusiastic educators they were,” she said. “It's incredibly meaningful to return to my home state and give back to a community with such tremendous need.”