Application To The Program

Selection Criteria for Admission into the SPDL Program[1]

In addition to the expected criteria for admission into the University of Michigan’s Dental School, participant selection will be based upon the demonstrated capacity to become vital leaders in dentistry.

  • All student applicants to the program are required to provide a written essay (no more than 5 pages) that addresses the desired competencies for the program (see below) and provide a vision of what they would hope their participation in the scholars program will achieve.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) is required for all applicants. Curriculum Vitae of sponsor is optional.
  • For in coming freshmen, a nomination from a leader in their community would be desirable.  Nominations should specifically address the selection criteria (see below).
  • For sophomore and juniors,  a nomination to the program will be required from faculty willing to participate in the program. Faculty nominations should address the selection criteria (see below).
  • Factors considered include commitment to requirements; experience and career aspirations; adaptability to change; receptivity to learning; ability and willingness to apply lessons learned; and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
  • Diversity in gender, age and ethnicity is desired.
  • Click here to download the application cover page.
  • Applications should be sent to: umspdl@umich.edu
  • Letters of recommendation should be sent to:

    UM-SPDL
    University of Michigan School of Dentistry
    Room 1226
    1011 North University Ave
    Ann Arbor MI 48109-1078

  • Application due date May 30th, 2008

Leadership

  • Demonstration of leadership characteristics and/or experience through functioning as change agent, thinking strategically, becoming results oriented, and  proven high level of performance 
    • Applicants must have some experience in leadership activities, and non-traditional applicant backgrounds are highly desirable. The applicant should provide evidence to demonstrate his or her commitment and consistency in leadership qualities and potential as indicated by community, organizational, philanthropic, or governmental activities listed on the application.
  • Personal Characteristics  
    • The applicant's character and reputation as evidenced by references will be of the highest quality, reflecting personal characteristics that are important in providing leadership in any area.
  • Leadership Potential after the Program 
    • An evaluation is made of each candidate's likelihood for potential contributions over a substantial period of future years to dentistry through growth and experiences gained from the program. Graduation from the program is not a true end-point; rather it is a starting point for the next stage in the participant’ leadership journey. Graduates should have the expectation and responsibility to ensure their continued and expanded active leadership in dentistry.

Continuous Learner

  •  Potential to be a Productive Participant
    Each candidate will be considered in terms of willingness to learn new perspectives, and ability to contribute to and benefit from seminars and other program activities.
  • Commitment to Participate
    Enrollment in the Dental Honors/Leadership Program will constitute a significant commitment of time and efforts in addition to the traditional dental curriculum.      The applicant must be fully committed to be involved and participate in all of the study/program events and seminars. Each candidate will be evaluated in terms of his or her ability to handle the dental curriculum along with supplemental program activities and studies.  In addition, each candidate will be considered in terms of willingness to learn new perspectives, and ability to contribute to and benefit from seminars and other program activities. Applicants must demonstrate a willingness and understanding that enrolment in the program will require a significant commitment of time in addition to their dental studies.  If the participant is interested in additional coursework outside of dentistry, this will be a commitment that he/she makes by creating flexibility in the dental curriculum to accommodate the course or arrange to take courses during off-hours.

 Problem Solver

  • Demonstrated ability to creativity think in a global multicultural environment.
    Each candidate will be evaluated for evidence that he or she is open to considering different ideas and views, that he or she exercises creativity in thinking, and that he or she does not approach problems with fixed conclusions.

Strategic Thinker

  • Breadth of Perspective on Issues and Knowledge of Dentistry 
    Each candidate will be evaluated for his or her long-term commitment and concern for a broad scope of issues of importance to dentistry.

Communicator

  • Potential to Work Effectively with People
    The applicant must demonstrate and celebrate his or her ability to work well with others, to communicate effectively, to motivate others, to tolerate individual differences, to set goals and devise action plans to meet those goals, to make decisions, and to positively influence others' decisions. A successful applicant will demonstrate that he or she wants to work with, learn from, and share with other people.

[1] Adapted from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Leadership Competencies