Indianapolis students explore futures in dentistry through hands-on learning
April 22, 2026
Indianapolis students explore futures in dentistry through hands-on learning
Indianapolis — On April 18, more than 70 Indianapolis-area high schoolers explored dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting through Planet Smilez’s Discovering Dentistry Symposium, a one-day, immersive experience designed to make oral health careers feel possible—and personal.
“This program helps students see themselves in careers they may have never considered before,” said Kathryn Pawlak, DDS, founder of Planet Smilez. “By meeting professionals and dental students who look like them and care about their communities, youth begin to understand that there are many paths into oral health—and that they belong in those careers.”
Throughout the day, students rotated through hands‑on activities, worked through real‑world problem‑solving challenges and connected directly with educators and dental professionals from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. For many participants, it was their first time inside a dental school.
In addition to learning about the wide range of oral health careers, students were invited to continue their journey through an optional, six‑session virtual mentorship program. The opportunity pairs students with guidance and encouragement as they explore education pathways and career possibilities beyond the classroom.
The Discovering Dentistry Symposium was funded by the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF).
“Strengthening the oral health safety net starts with investing in our youth,” said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the DDF. “By supporting career exploration for young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, we’re helping create a stronger, more sustainable oral health workforce that can meet community needs for years to come.”
To learn more about Planet Smilez and future events, visit PlanetSmilez.org.
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Media Contacts:
Jen Anderson
Delta Dental Foundation
517-375-5507
jmanderson@deltadentalmi.com
Photos courtesy of the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
