Bridging the Dental Gap
+400 Points
We understand that taking care of our pearly whites is a big deal, but it's not always easy, especially for kids in under-resourced communities. Your mission? Do some digging to find out why oral health is falling through the cracks in the U.S. or your community, and then let your creative genius run wild! Come up with a unique product, a cutting-edge business idea, or an awe-inspiring viral marketing campaign to make sure every child has an opportunity for a healthy smile. Show off your brilliant ideas with a video pitch to The Delta Dental Institute for a chance to win $$$, and of course, add an amazing real-world project to your resume and college applications.
In this Challenge, you'll explore the question:
How can oral health be improved for kids in under-resourced communities?
This Challenge is still available to earn points!! The prize money was awarded to past winners.
Add this experience to your resume, LinkedIn, portfolio, etc. See our guide 'How to Add a Challenge to a Resume,' which includes sample bullet points.
Skills you'll develop
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Social Awareness
Overview
Welcome!
We're so glad you're joining this Challenge! It's your opportunity to come up with a unique product, a cutting-edge business idea, or an awe-inspiring viral marketing campaign to make sure every child has an opportunity for a healthy smile.
Bridging the Gap Challenge Intro
Grab a group of friends or go solo, do some brainstorming, and show off YOUR brilliant ideas via a 3-5-minute video to The Delta Dental Institute for a chance to win big $$$, and of course, add an amazing real-world project to your resume and college applications. Watch the video to learn more about the Challenge.
Get to Kno the Process
Before you get started you might be wondering how this works. KnoPro Challenges are divided into five phases. These steps are designed to help you explore the problem and develop a solution. Select the + buttons to learn about each phase.
Future-Ready Skills and Careers
Dental Careers
The future workforce needs you. Check out some exciting careers, talk to people, explore indeed.com, seek internships or jobs in the field, and uncover educational requirements for a career of interest. There are so many dental healthcare-related jobs beyond being a dentist, such as:
Dental Hygienist: Helps dentists during dental visits, with tasks such as: cleaning teeth, applying sealants, taking x-rays, etc.
Dental Technology Specialist: Uses engineering and technology skills to design and create dental prosthetics, crowns, and bridges using computer-aided-design and manufacturing systems (CAD, CAM)
Oral Health Educator: Teaches proper dental care practices and promotes oral health awareness in schools, community centers, or through public health initiatives
Dental Therapist: Helps to expand quality care to more patients and provides support services
Future-Ready Skills
This Challenge is a great opportunity for you to develop those in-demand job skills - use these buzz words in your resume, LinkedIn profile, job cover letter, interview, etc.:
Problem solving: You're developing a solution to an important problem.
Communication: You're going to share a video pitch with professionals.
Collaboration: You're working with a team or at getting input from mentors.
Social Awareness: You're learning about an important issue.
Creativity: You're using your imagination for a unique solution to the problem.
Initiative and Self-Direction: You're doing this on your own or in a small group.
Three Approaches: Your Choice!
One important part of The KnoPro Challenges is choosing the type of solution you plan to create (in a group or solo) and ultimately pitch to the judges. Check out an example of each of your choices: a product idea, a new business concept, or a marketing campaign. You can also get inspiration from all the winning projects.
Flip the cards to help you decide which approach you may want to take. Later in the Challenge, you'll choose ONE approach.
Product Idea
Product Idea
Get creative and come up with a new product idea that addresses the problem. This might be an app, a game, or a consumer product, for example. The possibilities are endless! You’ll write a design brief to plan your product, and ultimately create a “prototype” to pitch to the judges.
Business Concept
Business Concept
Imagine a unique business idea that addresses the problem. This might be a for-profit or non-profit venture, an online platform, or an in-person experience/pop-up shop, for example. The possibilities are limitless! Write a business plan, and then create a fun way to share your business idea with the judges.
Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Design an exciting and catchy marketing campaign that addresses the problem and inspires people to act! The campaign might be a viral social media video, a series of emails, or a live event, for example. You’ll write up a marketing plan and then create some "assets" and pitch your idea to the judges.KnoPro Tools to Help You
Student KNOtebook
The Student KNOtebook is a tool to help you keep track of your research, thoughts, and ideas. While you don't have to use this optional tool, it's a helpful way to stay organized. Throughout the Challenge, keep an eye out for KNOtebook hints and suggestions to record in your KNOtebook.
To get started, make a copy of the Student KNOtebook slides or use the PDF Version.
