Oral health education is more than just teaching children how to brush their teeth. It’s about igniting a passion for lifelong learning, fostering an understanding of the importance of oral health, and inspiring a new generation of dental professionals. At the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), the Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Camp brings this vision to life.
Planet Smilez, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting oral health education and providing equal opportunities for underserved communities, launched an extraordinary initiative that goes beyond traditional dentistry education. Held annually at UMSOD, the Discovering Dentistry Camp offers a unique and immersive experience for middle and high school students, opening doors to a world of knowledge, hands-on training, and personal growth.
“My journey has always been about empowering and educating scholars through my personal dental school experiences,” said Kathryn Pawlak, DDS ’19, who created Planet Smilez as an undergraduate at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York. “From my first year in dental school, I knew there was a wealth of experiences to share with the community. By simplifying complex patient cases and curriculum insights, I created a program for young scholars focused on mentorship and exposure to the dental industry.”
The weeklong program targets a mix of University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) CURE Scholars and other Baltimore City students, exposing them to a world of possibilities within the oral health care industry. The camp’s mission goes beyond promoting oral health habits. It also aims to inspire these young scholars to consider careers in dentistry and related fields.
In its seventh year, the Discovering Dentistry Camp offers an immersive educational experience. From July 1 to Aug. 3, over 50 scholars were guided by UMSOD dental and dental hygiene students, with camp participants engaging in practical exercises designed to emulate real-world dental practices. From suturing to understanding how X-rays work, students gain hands-on experience that brings dental science to life.
One of the unique aspects of the camp is its focus on showcasing the diversity within the dental field. Scholars are exposed to various roles — from dental hygienists and oral surgeons to orthodontists and dental researchers. This exposure broadens their horizons and helps them understand that there are multiple pathways to making a difference in oral health care.
“The energy and curiosity from our scholars are nothing short of infectious,” Pawlak said. “They’re not just learning dentistry; they’re developing skills that will shape their careers in STEM and medicine. Their intelligence and application of basic sciences in a hands-on way is impressive, redefining the future of oral health.”
The camp also fosters a dynamic learning environment conducive to academic growth and personal development. Through interactive learning sessions, team projects, and engaging discussions, students are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and think critically. This collaborative atmosphere nurtures their curiosity while building essential communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
“It’s great to see how enthusiastic the scholars are as they work through these activities,” said Kelvin Johnson, robotics and entrepreneurship teaching partner for UMB CURE. “It’s important for the scholars to be exposed to different fields to expand what they believe is possible.”
The most significant outcome of the camp is the spark it ignites in these young learners. By exposing them to potential careers in the oral health professions, the Discovering Dentistry Camp opens doors to opportunities they may not have known existed. It allows them to envision a future where they can contribute to improving oral health in their communities and beyond.
Learn more about Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Camp at www.planetsmilez.org.
Learn more about the UMB CURE Scholars program at www.umaryland.edu/cure-scholars.