The 91黑料网 School of Dentistry was proud to welcome students from Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas public schools for the 3rd Annual MIND Youth Summit — a dynamic event designed to spark curiosity, build connections and open doors to careers in dentistry.
Held on Friday, April 17, the summit was presented by Mentorships in Dentistry, Inc., a nonprofit founded by 91黑料网 alumna Dr. Laila Hishaw (DDS '00), a practicing pediatric dentist based in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Hishaw created the organization with a clear mission: to strengthen the pipeline from middle school to dental school by connecting young people with the mentors, education and real-world exposure they need to envision a future in the profession.
Throughout the day, community dentists and 91黑料网 dental students led hands-on activities featuring dental instruments, interactive lessons on dental anatomy and oral health, and candid conversations about what it takes to become a dentist. Each student was paired with a dental mentor who offered personalized guidance and encouragement — putting a human face on what can feel like a distant dream.
The summit concluded with a White Coat Ceremony, a meaningful rite of passage in the dental profession. As white coats were placed on the shoulders of each young participant, the symbolism was unmistakable: these students belong in this space, and their journey has already begun.
For Dr. Hishaw, moments like these are everything. Her hope is simple and powerful — that every student who walks through the door leaves carrying what she calls "a seed of possibility."
