Envisioning Equitable Access to Oral Health

Scholar Jose Cerritos 24C is a pre-dentistry psychology major with a vision for providing culturally informed care to underserved communities.

Unwavering in his determination, Jose has spent recent summers at prestigious programs and conferences, expanding his skill set and fueling his sense of purpose.

"I've learned that pursuing dentistry as an underrepresented minority is critical for improving healthcare outcomes for others like me," Jose explains.

In 2022, Jose attended a six-week Summer Academic Enrichment Program for health careers at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, he learned to perform critical healthcare services and, in his words, to become "an adaptable student and avid advocate for my future patients."

The following summer he attended the 2023 Hispanic Student Dental Association regional conference at UNC Chapel Hill.

"Attending the conference has motivated me to continue working towards my career aspirations in dentistry while taking pride in my identity as a first-generation college student with an immigrant background," Jose says.

"I hope to use my personal experiences and intersectional identities to improve the patient experience in dentistry. Not only can I use my own story to build trust, but I can also contribute a perspective that is sensitive to cultural differences and prioritizes equitable access to the basic oral health services we all need."

Persistently humble, Jose attributes his success to supportive family, friends, and mentors. As he continues his professional journey, he hopes to return the favor: "I want to empower others from similar backgrounds to follow their dreams despite the challenges they may encounter."