News and Events

Lake Forest College has expanded its Health Professions Program partnership to include a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) pathway with Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. 

“Midwestern University has long been a destination for graduate school in the health professions for Lake Forest College students for well over fifteen years. In fact, we currently have at least six of our graduates in their medical, dental, and optometry programs. Our students connect well with Midwestern because of their student-focused attention, and compassionate approach to providing health care,” said Dr. Shubhik DebBurman, Senior Director for Science Partnerships, Health Professions Program Chair, and Disque D. and Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biological Sciences at Lake Forest College.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health. Career opportunities not only include general dentistry practice, but graduates can go on to pursue a job in public health service, Indian health service, and dental education.

“We're very excited about the articulation agreement with Lake Forest College because of its reputation as a strong didactic program. This agreement guarantees ten interview slots for those students looking to come to Midwestern. Due to the competitive nature of getting into a dental program right now, this opportunity is significant,” said Dr. Harold Haering, Jr., Dean of Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine.

Midwestern’s four-year doctoral program consists of basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences, preclinical simulation studies, practical clinical dentistry, and community clinical rotations. The DMD program has a 100 percent graduation rate and 99 percent National Board I Pass Rate, according to the Midwestern University website.

“At Midwestern we focus on elevating the clinical experience students can expect when they come here. Our current third- and fourth-year students spend four and a half days a week in the clinic, when they're in the clinic in the third and fourth year. There are very few programs in the country that put students in that kind of clinical environment,” added Haering.

The DMD pathway is the latest addition to the HPP announced in spring 2020 that offers an innovative approach to prepare students from any major at the College for a future career in the health professions.