Mission

The ASPIRE program is a unique recruitment activity designed to attract motivated West Virginia high school students to a career in dentistry. The mission is to inspire students from underrepresented groups to pursue their dental education at the WVU School of Dentistry by promoting excellence in academics, broadening perspective on dentistry's significant role in general health and highlighting the variety of dental career pathways.

Program Goals

• To foster dental career interests among West Virginia youth by introducing them to the tremendous variety of dental treatment modalities and career opportunities.
• To strengthen academic preparation of students seeking a dental education at WVU by:
  • offering study skill workshops.
    
  • uniting participants and dental faculty to begin creating an academic roadmap necessary for dental school admission.
    
  • promoting dentistry through hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations.
    
  • demonstrating the importance of a solid academic background in the basic sciences.
• To encourage students to reach their potential in a supportive, nurturing, and fun environment.
• To increase the visibility of dentistry as a significant contributor to overall health and well-being.