The Schools of Dentistry of UCSF and UCLA announce winners of the first Clifton O. Dummett Sr. Essay Competition. The top winners, receiving $1,000 prizes, are James Otani ’23, UCLA; Ashton Alarcon ’23, Columbia University; and Kaleb Murray ’22, Louisiana State University.
Nineteen additional entrants were awarded prizes of $500 and $250. UCSF's Ifunanya (Naya) Okeke '21 is a $500 winner.
The contest — which celebrated the legacy of the late Dr. Dummett, longtime professor at the University of Southern California and dean at Meharry Medical College — was underwritten by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and Delta Dental of California. Entries were focused on diversity, dental education and the dental profession.
“We are honored to partner with UCSF and UCLA to help foster an environment where understanding and inclusivity are woven into the fabric of the dental school curriculum,” said Jennifer Kim Field, vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility of Henry Schein, and executive director of Henry Schein Cares Foundation. “The essays reflect the ever-growing diversity of the profession and our communities. We applaud the students’ vision and commitment to improving access to oral health care and dental services for all.”
“The issues and themes that the students thoughtfully address in their essays are critical to the future of the dental profession,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of Foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California. “Delta Dental is proud to partner with UCSF and UCLA Schools of Dentistry to support these incredible students.”
Predoctoral students from select U.S. schools of dentistry were invited to enter: UCSF, UCLA, University of Southern California, University of the Pacific, Loma Linda University, Western University, Meharry Medical College, Howard University, A.T. Still University-MOSDOH, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Harvard University, University of Utah, Texas A&M, University, Columbia University and Touro University.
A panel of esteemed dental professionals judged the entries:
- Pamela Alston, DDS, MPP, FACD, president, National Dental Association
- Raymond Gist, DDS, former president, American Dental Association
- George Taylor, DMD, MPH, DrPH, professor and associate dean for diversity and inclusion, UCSF School of Dentistry
- Michael Okuji, DDS, MPH, MBA, associate professor and director of community-based clinical education, UCSF School of Dentistry
Dr. Dummett, who died in 2011, was distinguished professor emeritus, University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. His teaching career in periodontics began at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, where he ultimately became professor of periodontics. He became dean and director of dental education at age 28, establishing a record as the youngest dental dean in the United States.
About the UCSF School of Dentistry:
As a vital part of a world-renowned health sciences campus, the UCSF School of Dentistry is a preeminent institution for research, patient care, public service and graduate education grounded in oral health. A pioneer in oral health sciences, the school places a particular emphasis on preventive dental care, public health and craniofacial research.
About the Henry Schein Cares Foundation:
Established in 2008, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation works to foster, support, and promote dental and medical health by helping to increase access to care in communities around the world. The Henry Schein Cares Foundation carries out its mission through financial donations to non-profit organizations supporting health care professionals and community-based programs focused on prevention, wellness, and treatment; disaster preparedness and relief; and capacity building of health institutions that provide training and care.
The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible as provided by law. To learn more, please visit www.hscaresfoundation.org.
About Delta Dental of California:
Since 1955, Delta Dental of California has offered comprehensive, high quality oral health care coverage to millions of enrollees and built the strongest network of dental providers in the country.
The Delta Dental of California network includes its affiliates, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, Delta Dental of New York, Inc., and provides dental benefits to more than 36 million people across 15 states and the District of Columbia. All are members of the Delta Dental Plans Association, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, the not-for-profit national association that collectively covers millions of people nationwide. For more information about Delta Dental of California, please visit www.deltadentalins.com.