Clermont Periodontics and Education Equalizers Launch First-Generation Dentists Program

Clermont, FL (EEF News) — The First-Generation Dentists Program is a new initiative from the Education Equalizers Foundation in partnership with Clermont Periodontics and Implant Center. This invitation-only, one-on-one shadowing experience connects first-generation dentists with real-world exposure to careers in dentistry.

Designed for pre-dental and pre-med undergraduate students who are the first in their families to become a doctor, the program offers three days (15 hours) of direct clinical immersion in a working dental office—plus weekly preparation sessions, mentoring opportunities, and access to practicing professionals.

Why It Matters

The dental field is growing, with over 155,000 dental professionals needed by 2032. Yet many students—especially those from first-generation backgrounds—lack access to early career exposure.

“As a periodontist, I understand how rare it is for students to see professionals who look like them—or come from similar backgrounds—in specialty fields,” said Dr. Kerwin Scott, Co-Founder of Education Equalizers. “That’s why this program exists: to provide access, exposure, and belief.”

While first-generation students come from all backgrounds, representation gaps persist. According to the American Dental Education Association, only 5.6% of dentists identify as Black and fewer than 6% as Hispanic/Latinx, despite both groups making up over 30% of the U.S. population. Programs like this help expand the dental pipeline for all communities.

Clarifying the Definition: First-Generation Doctor vs. First-Generation College Student

A first-generation college student is defined as someone who is the first in their immediate family to attend a four-year college or university.
A first-generation doctor, by contrast, is the first in their family to enter the medical or dental professions—a more advanced milestone that requires specialized training, mentoring, and clinical exposure.

“First-, second-, and third-generation college students may follow similar academic tracks,” said Dr. Carjie Scott, Co-Founder of Education Equalizers. “But becoming the first doctor in your family is a different journey entirely. The First-Generation Dentists Program is about opening doors to healthcare careers by providing hands-on experience and real guidance from professionals who’ve walked the path.”

What Students Will Do

Each participant will:

Shadow a dental team during live patient care
Observe procedures like implants, gum surgeries, and sedation
Learn how oral health affects total-body health (heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and more)
Receive career coaching and school application support
Volunteer as a mentor to high school students in the College PASS Program

Eligibility

Students must:

Be on a pre-dental or pre-med track
Be the first in their family to become a doctor
Be recommended by a professor or healthcare employer
Attend three weekly training sessions at Clermont Periodontics
Complete 10 volunteer hours mentoring high school juniors or seniors

How to Partner or Apply

Current education partners include Valencia College and University of Central Florida. Dental professionals interested in hosting a student, and donors looking to support program expansion, are encouraged to get involved.

About The Education Equalizer Foundation

The Education Equalizer Foundation empowers middle—through high school students and their families on the path to higher education. The college admittance process can be daunting and complex, particularly for scholars from underserved backgrounds. Our mission is to demystify this process and provide students with the necessary tools to gain admission and graduate successfully.

Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring The Education Equalizer Foundation.