On November 18, 2023, PNWU-SDM had the pleasure of presenting at the HOSA Leadership Conference held at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, WA. Over 86 students participated in learning about dental careers, oral health, why diversity matters in dentistry, and what PWNU-SDM is doing to help increase dental professionals in rural and underserved communities.
The students’ response to the presentation was profound and invigorating, as many were very curious about dentistry and what it takes to become a dental professional. Lolinda Turner shared her experience in the dental field and how it has allowed her to break generational curses as a woman of color and help her diverse community.
Several students who attended the presentations attended the PNWU-SDM Zoom information session on November 21, 2023, with Dr. Panagakos. Since Lolinda Turner joined PNWU-SDM, over 500 high school students and young adults in Washington State have been educated via presentations on the wonderful world of dentistry, what our dental program has to offer, and why diversity in dentistry matters.
