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NDA Programs

Student Mentoring with Immersive Learning and Enrichment

SMILE · Healthcare Pathways · Summer 2026

A partnership between Henry Schein, Inc., the National Dental Association, and other professional associations to mentor future healthcare professionals, enhance health literacy, expand diversity in the healthcare workforce, and improve outcomes in underserved communities nationwide.

When and Where Sample Schedule Register for Virtual Program
Questions about the program? Review the schedule PDF and the details below, then submit your application using the link above.
Immersive Summer Experience
Build confidence and explore healthcare careers
Students experience hands on learning, mentorship, campus life, and exposure to oral health and healthcare pathways in a supportive cohort environment.
APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM EST
•
MEHARRY SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY · NASHVILLE, TN
•
FISK UNIVERSITY HOUSING
•
SIX DAYS OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING
•
APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31, 2026 · 11:59 PM EST
•
MEHARRY SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY · NASHVILLE, TN
•
FISK UNIVERSITY HOUSING
•
SIX DAYS OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING
•
SMILE Virtual Program Flyer
Click Here to Register
Program experience
Mentorship plus immersive learning
Students engage with mentors, explore real healthcare environments, and gain exposure to pathways in oral health and the broader healthcare community.
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A pathway to the future
Students learn about dental and healthcare careers while building skills and confidence through mentorship, hands on learning, and community.
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Support
Powered by mission driven partners
The program is supported by partners committed to health equity, mentorship, and expanding representation in healthcare.

Explore Career Paths

This summer program introduces students to careers in oral health and related healthcare roles.

Career
Dentist
Learn what it takes to become a practicing oral health clinician.
Career
Dental Hygienist
Explore preventive care and patient education pathways.
Career
Dental Assistant
Discover hands on support roles in clinical settings.
Career
Dental Office Administrator
Understand operations, patient flow, and practice management.

When and Where

Program dates, host campus, and student housing details for Summer 2026.

Register for Virtual Program
Saturday, June 27 through Thursday, July 2, 2026
Host Site: Meharry School of Dentistry
1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd
Nashville, TN 37208

Student Housing: Fisk University
1000 17th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208

Student Criteria

Eligibility and application details for Summer 2026.

Eligibility
Grade Level
Students entering 11th grade in the 2026 to 2027 school year (Rising Juniors, Summer 2026).
Eligibility
Interest
Students interested in learning more about careers in dentistry or the broader healthcare community.
Logistics
Accommodation
Required to stay overnight in double accommodations.
Application
Application Deadline
Submit a completed and signed application by Parent or Guardian by March 31, 2026.
Priority
Priority Consideration
Students who are financially disadvantaged will be given priority.

Sample Week Schedule

Download the Schedule PDF

Review the full schedule for Saturday, June 27 through Thursday, July 2, 2026. Schedule is subject to change as programming is finalized.

Download Schedule PDF
  • Airport pick ups and check in to dormitories at Fisk University.
  • Orientation, introductions, and program kick off.
  • Dinner and White Coat Ceremony program.
  • Evening activity and return to dorms.
  • College admission overview and campus style activities.
  • Dental school admission overview and pathway planning.
  • Healthcare as a career conversations and mentorship moments.
  • Dinner and evening activity, then dormitory time.
  • Nutrition and its effects on oral health session.
  • Hands on restorative dentistry and digital dentistry activities.
  • Capstone projects and group collaboration.
  • Evening activity and dormitory fun time.
  • Science and anatomy foundations.
  • Hands on learning labs and procedural exposure.
  • Community exposure and program activities.
  • Capstone work time and evening programming.
  • Specialty overviews and education pathway session.
  • Hands on learning activities and exhibit style experiences.
  • Capstone final prep work and run through.
  • Panel programming and evening celebration activities.
  • Capstone presentation and group photo.
  • Program wrap up, goodbyes, and survey.
  • Check out of dormitories and airport transportation.

Watch Our Program

Get a feel for the SMILE experience through the videos below.

SMILE Program 2025 Intro Video
Program Introduction
S.M.I.L.E Program Recap Video - Meharry
More About Our Program
S.M.I.L.E Program Recap - Howard
Student Experiences

Program Partners

Together, our partners support mentorship, health literacy, and a more diverse healthcare workforce.

Henry Schein Cares
Schattner Foundation

SMILE Summer 2026

Review the sample schedule to understand the week's flow. We look forward to meeting the next cohort of future healthcare leaders.

Download Schedule PDF