Celebrating a Decade of the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship at the University of Puerto Rico SDM

The University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine (UPR SDM) is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship (ADCFP) program at the institution with the largest cohort of students in the nation. This initiative was born from the vision and dedication of Damaris Molina-Negrón, D.M.D., FAAPD, and Jocelyn Medina-Paneto, Ph.D., who, inspired by a desire to foster a passion for academic dentistry among future professionals, responded to ADEA's call to develop this program on the island.

With the support of Ana N. López-Fuentes, D.M.D., M.P.H., former UPR SDM Dean and past ADEA Chair of the Board of Directors, the fellowship program was successfully launched at the UPR SDM. The inaugural cohort consisted of five highly motivated dental students who laid the foundation for the strong and growing program. Over the years, enrollment has steadily increased, reaching 43 students, the biggest cohort, in the past academic year.

One of the program's most significant achievements has been strengthening the culture of mentorship within UPR SDM. Faculty members from all departments have actively participated, guiding and supporting students in their academic and professional development. These mentor-mentee relationships have extended well beyond the classroom, becoming lasting connections that continue after graduation.

Despite the absence of dedicated funding, the ADEA ADCFP program has expanded its opportunities through meaningful collaborations. Organizations and partners have generously contributed to its success, such as the UPR SDM Puerto Rico Innovation in Dental Education, UPR SDM Sanus Puerto Rico Center, UPR SDM Research Center, UPR SDM Advanced Education Program, faculty and former and current deans. Thanks to their support, several students have been able to travel and present their research at ADEA meetings and other professional conferences.

From the very beginning of the ADEA ADCFP program, its closing ceremony has been held at the UPR SDM amphitheater to honor participating students. During this meaningful event, certificates of completion by ADEA are presented to students. In addition, each participant receives an honor cord to wear during both the Doctor of Dental Medicine commencement ceremony and the Hippocratic Oath ceremony.

This initiative, envisioned by Dr. Medina-Paneto, has been warmly embraced by the student body and become a cherished tradition within the program. The honor cords themselves carry special significance, symbolizing each stage of the students’ professional development within the ADEA ADCFP pathway. A blue cord represents successful completion of the program’s first year, a blue and gold cord signifies completion of the second year and a gold cord is awarded to those who complete the third and final year of the program.

The program’s impact is evident. In just one decade, several ADEA ADCFP fellows have pursued academic careers, joining the faculty at UPR SDM and other dental schools across Puerto Rico. Furthermore, some of the former fellows have returned to the program as mentors, completing a full circle to strengthen the future of academic leadership in dental education.

The ADEA ADCFP program offers significant benefits to both students and faculty. For students, it provides a unique opportunity to explore academic careers; develop skills in research, leadership and teaching; and build meaningful professional networks. For faculty, it offers a platform and pathway to actively shape the next generation of academic leaders, promote collaborative research and sustain an innovative and dynamic learning environment.

As this 10-year milestone is celebrated, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to the program’s success—institutional leaders, mentors, collaborators and, most importantly, students. Their dedication and commitment have been essential to the program’s growth.

Looking ahead, UPR SDM is confident the ADEA ADCFP program will continue to grow, inspire future generations to pursue careers in academic dentistry and strengthen dental education in Puerto Rico and beyond.

Published on August 12, 2026