To be a witness to our youth of the limitless potential that they have while mentoring and encouraging them in the field of Dentistry as a career.
Whether you're in high school wondering what dentistry looks like, or a university student getting ready to apply, BDAOC connects you with people who have walked the path.
Career presentations that show students what a career in dentistry and dental hygiene looks like, and that it's within reach.
Mentorship, research opportunities, professional resources and connections with Black dental professionals for university students preparing for dental school.
Scholarship support and a professional network that stays with students as they enter the field.
Two students on the path to dentistry, helping the next wave of Black students find mentorship, resources and a community that believes in them.
Ezekiel is a Biology major, pre-dental student, and student-athlete at Shaw University. As a Canadian student attending an HBCU, he has developed a unique perspective on the importance of representation, mentorship, and creating pathways for Black students to pursue careers in dentistry.
As BDAOC's Pre-Dental Lead, Ezekiel aims to connect aspiring dental students with mentorship, research opportunities, professional resources, and Black dental professionals, and to bridge the Black dental communities in Canada and the United States.
Ashley is a Jamaican-born student and aspiring dentist based in Edmonton, Alberta, currently pursuing her undergraduate studies with a strong interest in community advocacy, representation, and mentorship.
She has been actively involved in leadership and volunteer initiatives that support cultural celebration, inclusion, and youth engagement within Edmonton’s Black community, and is passionate about supporting future generations of Black students pursuing careers in oral health.
Ashley joins Dr. Jason James chairside to observe a root canal procedure — a look at the hands-on experience BDAOC mentorship offers students preparing for dental school.
BDAOC members visit schools and community programs to introduce students to careers in dentistry and dental hygiene, showing youth a path they can see themselves on.
Through our partnership with BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area, BDAOC mentors have taken part in BGC's Teen Takeover two years running. Dr. Jason James joined as a Dentist & Youth Advocate in 2025 and 2026, and in 2026 he was joined by our Dental Hygiene Lead, Hope Nsekanabo, sharing their journeys into dentistry and dental hygiene with local youth.
BDAOC joined BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area for career day at Eastglen High School, where Dr. Jason James presented A Career in Dentistry to students, sharing what the profession looks like and how to get there.
BDAOC is building a scholarship fund to support the next generation of Black dental students as they pursue their education and enter the profession.
Get in touchThe students coming up behind us need to see themselves in the profession. Share an hour, a conversation, or a shadowing day.
Volunteer as a mentor