A predental school experience to expose potential applicants to dental school and the dental profession.

In June 2000, during a period of declining applications to dental school both locally and nationally, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-New Jersey Dental School (NJDS) initiated the Gateway to Dentistry (GTD) program. Its overall goal was to increase applications from qualified applicants interested in the health professions but uncertain of dentistry as their ultimate choice. Participants learned about dental school and the profession during a two-week internship that provided hands-on experiences; exposure to various disciplines and career options within dentistry; a glimpse of student life through interactions with a dental student mentor; an understanding of the application process; and individualized assistance in educational and career planning. As the overall applicant pool increased nationally and at NJDS, the program proved valuable in attracting a diverse and highly qualified student body. The program is currently offered twice per year to thirty students per session from a pool of approximately 300 applicants from throughout the country. Close to 40 percent of the program participants have been accepted to NJDS, and one-fourth of current incoming classes are GTD participants. Program participants' evaluations have been consistently positive, citing the value of hands-on activities and interactions with enthusiastic faculty volunteers.