Waterpik and Atlanta Dental Studio Launch HBCU Campus Crusade for Oral Health and Entrepreneurship

In a significant move to address oral health disparities and promote entrepreneurship among minority students, the Waterpik brand has joined forces with Atlanta's Art of Aesthetics Dental Studio (AOA) to launch the HBCU Campus Crusade. This inaugural tour, set to visit multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), represents a concerted effort to empower students with essential oral health knowledge, products, and career opportunities in dentistry.

The HBCU Campus Crusade, scheduled to commence in October 2024, will feature interactive educational sessions where students can receive free Waterpik devices, Essentials Co. Toothbrushes, and other oral health products. Dr. Quodarrius "Dr. Q" Toney, founder of AOA and an HBCU graduate himself, will lead product demonstrations and provide guidance on maintaining oral health, particularly for students without dental insurance.

Recognizing the financial barriers many students face, Waterpik has committed to awarding two scholarships at Howard University: a $20,000 scholarship for a dental student and a $5,000 contribution to support the university's dental program. This financial support underscores the brand's commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental professionals from underrepresented communities.

Charisse Winecki, Waterpik VP of Global Marketing, emphasized the brand's dedication to making dental care more accessible, stating, "It was a no-brainer for our team to partner with Dr. Q and his team to embark on the HBCU Campus Crusade where we look forward to providing students with effective solutions to manage their dental care and continue to inspire the next generation of leaders in oral health."

The tour's significance extends beyond oral health education. Each campus visit will feature panel discussions on oral health, entrepreneurship for minorities, and pre-dental career pathways. These sessions aim to equip students with valuable insights into navigating healthcare challenges, starting businesses, and preparing for careers in dentistry. The inclusion of Q&A sessions and additional product giveaways further enhances student engagement and learning opportunities.

Dr. Q highlighted the tour's importance, noting, "As an HBCU graduate myself, I'm well aware of the challenges that these students face and want to equip them with the tools and education they deserve to make informed decisions about their oral health." This personal connection underscores the tour's potential to make a lasting impact on HBCU students' health and career prospects.

The HBCU Campus Crusade is set to visit Howard University on October 17, 2024, featuring a panel led by Gregory Allen Jr., Mister Howard University 2024-2025. The tour will then move to the Atlanta University Center (AUC) from October 24-26, 2024, with the moderator yet to be announced.

This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing healthcare disparities in minority communities. By combining oral health education with entrepreneurship guidance and career development, the HBCU Campus Crusade has the potential to inspire a new generation of dental professionals and business leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The partnership between Waterpik and AOA demonstrates the power of corporate-community collaborations in driving meaningful change and creating opportunities for minority students in the healthcare sector.