The EXCEL Program: strengthening diversity

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Medical School Admissions
• Student Preparedness

Background:

• Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUSDM) established a prematriculation program in 1993.
• The program aims to enhance diversity within the incoming first-year dental student class.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Experiential Center for Excellence in Learning (EXCEL) Program.
• To assess the program's impact on student preparedness and decision to study dentistry.
• To explore the program's potential as a model for increasing diversity in U.S. dental schools.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary, one-month prematriculation program combining didactic, laboratory, study skills, and social activities.
• Analysis of data from ninety students who participated in the EXCEL Program between 1996 and 2000.
• Exit surveys were administered to assess participant satisfaction and program impact.

Main Results:

• Participants cited familiarity with the school and strengthening basic science background as primary reasons for joining.
• The participant pool exhibited significant diversity in age, time since college, academic majors, and country of birth.
• 96% of surveyed participants reported the program strengthened their decision to study dentistry; 97% recommended it for future students.

Conclusions:

• The EXCEL Program effectively prepares a diverse range of students for the rigors of dental school.
• The program demonstrates success in reinforcing students' commitment to dental careers.
• EXCEL may serve as a replicable model for improving diversity in dental school enrollment nationwide.