Four College of Dentistry students were recently selected for the Nebraska Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholars Program, a two-year learning experience for students interested in practicing in rural and underserved areas of Nebraska.
AHEC Scholars gain access to exclusive workshops, potential employers, community leaders, and national and state resources on the latest health topics. The program's core topic areas are: interprofessional education, behavioral health integration, social determinants of health, cultural competency and practice transformation.
72 scholars from across Nebraska were selected for the program, including College of Dentistry students Sydney Armstrong, Jordan Brozek, Edward Hardy and Sophia Pankratz – featured below. This is the first year College of Dentistry students have applied for the program.
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to take part in the AHEC Scholars Program. I look forward to making connections and training in community-based settings in congruence with my education in dental school. Through this program, I believe that I will take a large step forward in becoming not only a qualified dentist, but a community leader as well." – Sydney Armstrong, D3, Panhandle AHEC
"I am excited to be involved with the AHEC Scholars Program. I look forward to learning about ways to better serve Nebraska’s underserved population through interprofessional collaboration. I’m very interested in serving the urban population of Omaha, especially youth and LGBTQ+." – Jordan Brozek, D3, Omaha AHEC
"I have an interest in rural communities and the practical skills needed to serve them. I look forward to covering topics that will directly relate to my future practice, such as the social determinants of health, and connecting with potential employers and community leaders." – Edward Hardy, D3, Southeast NE AHEC
"I’m excited to be an AHEC Scholar and to learn about the organizations and partnerships offered to underserved and rural communities. This program will better equip me to care for my future patients." – Sophia Pankratz, D2, Central NE AHEC