Corinthia Wilkerson, MMSc24, is passionate about using her dental career to give back to others. The first-year resident in Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Periodontology program hopes to use her knowledge of periodontology, public health, and health policy to help historically marginalized communities, educating and providing care to treat those with periodontal disease – all while training the next generation of periodontists. Support from HSDM’s Periodontology Fellowship is helping her pursue her dreams.
Wilkerson earned her BS in Biology at Spelman College where she was introduced to dentistry through her professor’s non-profit organization, Increasing Diversity in Dentistry, leading to a turning point in her professional pursuits. Shortly after, a foot surgery which resulted in post-operative complications and three months of bed rest, postponed her dental pursuits. But through this difficult time, she persevered by studying for the Dental Admissions Test and preparing for graduate school. Wilkerson received her MS in biomedical sciences with a concentration in oral biology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – formerly known as Rutgers University. Soon after, she received her DDS from Meharry Medical College (MMC) School of Dentistry, as well as certificates in public health and health policy.
“I was admitted to MMC School of Dentistry with a personal goal of learning as much as possible and becoming competent and proficient in the dental sciences,” Wilkerson said.
At MMC, she was involved with the Pre-Alumni Association and led efforts to promote and enhance the relationships of students and faculty, as well as to serve as an advocate of students to the college’s administration. She was driven to be a part of the rich history and legacy of one of the only two dental schools affiliated with Black colleges and universities in the nation. Wilkerson currently serves as a Young Alumni Trustee for MMC, as well as a member of the PULSE Board of Directors for Middle Tennessee American Heart Association.
Her interest in periodontology developed through her own experience of wound healing and understanding of health disparities and barriers of treatment. That ambition for knowledge led her to HSDM.
“HSDM’s Periodontology program has a legacy of training specialists that not only excel academically and clinically, but they are also leaders in higher education administration,” said Wilkerson. “As I continue to learn more about Periodontology, I am looking forward to using the lessons and experiences from previous research opportunities to identify how I will continue to make positive contributions to my chosen specialty.”
The fellowship will help fund a portion of Wilkerson’s tuition in the program. “Understanding the importance of philanthropy, I am committed to giving back to the schools that gave me so much. The Perio Fellowship will aid in decreasing the amount of loans I will have to repay and assist me on the road to achieving my financial goals as well as supporting my postdoctoral education.”
