|
Dear Student,
I would like to congratulate you on the continuation of
your education and welcome you to college. I have contacted you
because you have identified yourself as a member of a group
underrepresented in the health professions.
There are very few persons of color in the health
professions in general, and the field of dentistry in particular. I am
writing to let you know how much we have to offer you and how much you
are needed.
Oral health is a field of tremendous growth and opportunity. It is
probably the only field in healthcare in which you, as a doctor, can
provide care for people from birth throughout life. The care that a
dentist provides brings much personal and professional satisfaction.
What can a career in dental medicine offer you?
 |
An opportunity to help people, who
will greatly appreciate your time, patience and care.
|
|
An opportunity to partner with your
patients throughout their lives. |
|
An opportunity to provide for
yourself and your family (the current median expected salary for
dentists in NYC is more than $130,000 per year). |
|
An opportunity to learn throughout
your professional career. |
|
An opportunity to positively affect
the health of our society in many ways. |
I have been involved in admissions at SUNY Stony Brook
School of Dental Medicine for 28 years and have participated in
programs on campus with undergraduate students of color. As a faculty
member of color, I am very committed to raising awareness and, more
importantly, helping prepare students of color for entering the
profession of their choice. This is why I have created “The Reach”
with our students.
My request is
very simple: Visit our web site “The Reach” at http://www.hsc.stonybrook.edu/dental/TheReach
I am confident that you will find valuable information
and, hopefully, we will hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Fred S. Ferguson
Professor of Pediatric Dentistry
School of Dental Medicine
Stony Brook University
|
