Students get sneak peek into UNMC College of Dentistry programs

The students attended a biochemistry lecture as well as observed a preclinical lab course in operative dentistry. Those students interested in dental hygiene had the opportunity to shadow in the dental hygiene clinic. All of the students took part in a panel discussion with former RHOP students who are now attending the UNMC College of Dentistry. 

The annual RHOP visit is designed to give undergraduate students the opportunity to visit the dental school and talk with health professionals in their chosen program.

The RHOP early admission program is designed to address the special needs of rural Nebraska by encouraging rural residents to pursue a career in the health care fields. Students selected are guaranteed admission to UNMC as long as all stated requirements are met, as well as the pre-professional studies at each of the undergraduate colleges.

Students from Chadron State, Peru State and Wayne State colleges and the University of Nebraska at Kearney take part in either the RHOP program or the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) and the Public Health Early Admissions Student Track (PHEAST).

The RHOP program began in 1990. Once accepted into it, students obtain early admission into one of nine health professions at UNMC. More than 60 percent of RHOP graduates go on to practice in rural communities.

Two new programs were developed out of RHOP’s success – PHEAST, which began in 2011 and targets undergraduates interested in public health careers; and KHOP, which began in 2010 and targets high school seniors interested in the health professions.

The three Chadron State College students are listed below in alphabetical order by hometown.

Clarks: Chancy Miller

Hemingford: Blake Hansen

North Platte: Tanner Malmkar