Outreach Initiatives and Programs

The CU School of Dental Medicine is committed to strengthening Colorado's dental workforce. By preparing dentists who represent the state’s demographics and arming all our students with the training necessary to care for the growing population, we hope to enhance oral health outcomes in Colorado and beyond.

BA/BS - DDS Degree Program

In collaboration with the University of Colorado Denver, the CU School of Dental Medicine is proud to offer a BA/BS - DDS degree program to better serve the healthcare needs of the state of Colorado. The BA/BS - DDS Program selects five academically qualified individuals who show a strong commitment to a career in dental medicine and to serving the people of Colorado. Students who successfully meet all program requirements, including a successful interview with the School of Dental Medicine Admission Committee, will be eligible for a “reserved” spot in an upcoming matriculating class.

MHA Pathway to Dentistry

The MHA Pathway to Dentistry program provides academic and professional preparation and a pathway to the CU School of Dental Medicine’s (SDM) Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program through the MS in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA). Students admitted to the MHA Pathway to Dentistry program will receive a reserved seat in the DDS program, in addition to scholarship support. Students will complete the first-year curriculum of the MHA program, begin work on the MHA Capstone Project, then transition into the DDS curriculum in the Fall of their 2nd year. While completing the 4-year DDS requirements, students will complete the MHA Capstone Project and Teaching Practicum to graduate with both the MS and the DDS degrees. 

Anschutz Medical Campus Collaborations

We have partnered with the Anschutz Medical Campus to foster the engagement and retention of individuals interested in the health professions. Some of these programs include: 

• The Undergraduate Pre-Health Program (UPP) is a 13-month program where students learn about healthcare access and policy. UPP students receive a guaranteed interview the first time they apply.

• The Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS) serves grades 6th through 12th and exposes scholars to high-impact events, research, STEAM and healthcare careers. At the same time, we are preparing our scholars to be competitive applicants for post-secondary education and matriculation into professional health careers or graduate school programs. 
  

• CU Pre-Health Day is an exciting day of exploration and discovery of pre-health careers and opportunities on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Through hands-on activities, participants learn more about what happens on campus and the programs offered.