Page 21 - Dentistry Magazine 2021

After a pilot test to determine the program’s effectiveness, the hybrid model went live with high success: evaluations from the
pilot resulted in a 100% satisfaction rate, with 96% of participants feeling confident in the learning objectives and quality of instruction.
In addition to the hybrid courses, Continuing Dental Education produced
a series of virtual presentations, ranging from a Digital Grand Rounds series on
diversity and equity in healthcare to a full day on oral surgery for women providers.
While CDE has returned to in-person offerings, the pan- demic and resulting shutdown demonstrated the efficacy of virtual and hybrid coursework—and CDE Anytime is certainly here to stay.
Supporting every student
As the COVID-19 pandemic raged throughout 2020, students at the School of Dentistry were left
with impossible choices.
Candidates for graduation
scrambled to find last-minute
housing and extend their stays
in Minneapolis as some faced a
lengthened program. Students
who didn’t own computers had
to figure out a way to attend their
courses virtually. “So much was un-
known,” recalled Emily Best, acting director of development.
Then came a beacon of hope: the student emergency fund. An idea that had been considered previously was brought to fruition in March 2020, amid the changes and uncertainty of the pandemic’s early days. The fund would aid students who found themselves in unforeseen circum- stances and might otherwise have to extend or suspend their studies and degree completion.
At this point, many alumni were facing financial uncer- tainty of their own—but they remembered what being in school was like, and they jumped at the opportunity to support students in situations of crisis.
“I thought about how tough it would be to be a dental student during the pandemic,” said Pete Hehil, DDS ’88, explaining why he chose to give to the fund. “I learned that the fund could help students through challenges of delayed licensure exams, clinic uncertainties and financial stress.”
Anita Thomas, DDS ’84, said she remembered “as a student, how tight funds were,” and so she felt compelled to “help a student with the financial burden of dental school,” particularly during the pandemic.
Paul Thai, DDS ’98, was driven by a desire to give back to the school and the students. “With the increasing amount of debt students have, I hope it can help them some,”
he said. He recalled “the camaraderie with my classmates” from his time in school, hoping that
a bit of relief to students’ financial burden could allow them to experience the same.
From March 2020 to the end of the year, the emergency fund directly helped five School of Dentistry students. Another 52 students were supported by university
emergency funding. Students in DDS, dental therapy, dental hygiene and advanc-
ed education programs benefited from the fund, and awards have ranged from $250 to
$1,200 per grant, with an average of $700 to $800.
A student who graduated in May 2020 shared that, “because of COVID-19, there have been delays in my ability to obtain a license and begin my employment in Southwestern Minnesota. Thanks to financial assistance from the student emergency fund, I am able to bridge the gap and cover essential living expenses.”
The student continued, “I hope to one day pay this forward and be a blessing in another student’s life, as you have been in mine.”
Feature 21
May 14, 2021
July 6, 2021
August 3, 2021
September 8, 2021
School of Dentistry holds in-person commencement for the class of 2021
School of Dentistry clinics return to full capacity
Mask requirements Fall semester are reinstituted in all begins University buildings