You may find people at different stages of life who serve as mentors, both professionally and personally; some you seek out and some that surprise you. Some can be obvious, like parents, coaches, or professors, and some can show up in unexpected ways. For Malik Jackson, DDS ’25, it was a few key figures who each played a part in the journey that led him to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) and a future in dentistry.
The one who helps you figure out what you don’t like
During his junior and senior years at Colorado State University, Jackson worked as a medical writer and quality assurance manager at Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies in Fort Collins, CO. He received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and Spanish on a pre-med track; he wanted to be a doctor.
His supervisor, Kelly Mistry, MD, became a key support system for Jackson as he navigated his first professional job at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He had previously shadowed Mistry while in high school in his hometown of Grand Junction, Colorado. When she started a new job in Fort Collins, he reconnected with her.
Over time, Jackson realized that he didn’t enjoy the endless, stressful hospital environment. He spoke at length about this dilemma with Mistry, and she helped him through it, encouraging him to explore more avenues and discover what interests him.
Jackson was grateful to have someone with medical experience to talk to. “It was nice to be able to talk openly about what I liked and didn’t like about a career as a doctor. dr. Mistry had the managerial and medical experience to guide me without pushing me in any particular direction. At that moment I knew I didn’t want to work in a hospital, but I hadn’t thought about what the next step would be.”
The one who ignites a passion
After searching for a new dentist in the Fort Collins area, Jackson contacted Allison Lesko, DDS, of The Fort Collins Dentist. It was during his freshman year in college that he asked her to shadow her to explore a new avenue in healthcare.
“When I saw Dr. As Lesko began to observe, I was amazed at the range of dentistry she could do herself, as opposed to referring patients to a specialist. She did endodontic treatments, cosmetic cases, orthodontic aligners, some surgical procedures and more. I was also impressed with her innovative approach to dentistry. The office was up to date with the latest technology and developments, which was fascinating to watch.”
Over the course of his senior year, Jackson went to Lesko’s office on a weekly basis. With more confidence and experience, she began to teach him how to help the chair. He passed on instruments and prepared materials during procedures, cast casts of impressions in the lab, sterilized equipment, helped set up and tidy up dental units, and got to know patients.
“There was one patient I remember in particular who was the first to show me how rewarding a career in dentistry can be. She had a full oral rehab and couldn’t be happier with the result. Seeing her light up with excitement and newfound confidence because of something I helped do was incredibly empowering. I knew then that I wanted to continue helping people for the rest of my life.”
Jackson began applying to dental schools and dental assistants after graduation. (Watch his opening speech on YouTube.)
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The Fort Collins Dentist Team at the Crown Council Annual Event, January 2020 |
The one who shows you what your future could look like
From 2020 to 2021, Jackson worked as a dental assistant at Greenwood Dental Arts, a family practice in Greenwood Village led by CU alumni, father-daughter couple Charles Fischer, DDS ’79, and Lissa Alconcel, DDS ’16. He learned how a practice works, worked directly with patients and expanded his dental knowledge. Ultimately, the experience confirmed his decision to become a dentist.
Jackson especially enjoyed witnessing the dynamics between Fischer and Alconcel. He was touched by the idea of sharing a passion with family and building something that would be passed on.
“Leaving a legacy is important to me. I am convinced that everyone has the power of impact and I strive to make the most of that every day, in the best way possible.”
The Greenwood Dental Arts Team, December 2020 |
The one who is there for you through school
At CU SDM, Jackson has particularly enjoyed working with two professors who have quickly become mentors to him in dentistry: James DeLapp, DDS ’82, MS, and Amisha Singh, DDS ’15.
“Dr. DeLapp has been at the school for a long time and most of his classes are geared to prepare us to see our first patient in the CU dental clinics. I appreciate the real perspective Dr. DeLapp provides and how he incorporates that into his teaching strategy He is someone who has worn many hats: a coach, a private practice owner, a longtime teacher and more He has researched the most effective ways to teach and learn, and weaves them into all of his classes, which I find very effective. He also brings a ‘no excuses, just do it’ attitude that reminds me of some of my coaches growing up, what I need and value.”
“Dr. Singh has been an incredible mentor helping me hone my professional development skills and outreach ideas. She is one of the most creative thinkers I’ve met when it comes to programming, presentation, and different dental practice options. I met Dr. Singh first presented herself at an ASDA pre-dental day before I was hired, and I remember thinking if I went to CU she was someone I wanted to see.”
Having not one, but two mentors so early in his professional school career gives Jackson an educational branch of a much-needed support system, and the fact that both are CU SDM alumni adds an unparalleled element of trust and connection.
The mentee becomes the mentor
Now in his second year at CU SDM, Jackson continues to work diligently toward his goal of becoming a dentist, constantly finding ways to get involved and help others both on and off campus.
As an officer for the Colorado Chapter of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA), Jackson helps coordinate events, programs, and resources aimed at professional development for underrepresented and minority students. He recently attended the SNDA 50th Anniversary Celebration and Meeting in Orlando, FL, with classmates and teachers. CU’s SNDA Chapter won 3rd place for best major chapter nationally!
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CU School of Dental Medicine Faculty, Staff and Students at the SNDA National Convention, June 2022 |
Jackson is also a member of the DDS Class of 2025 Executive Board and volunteers whenever there is an opportunity to meet people and represent the school. In this first year alone, he spoke to Undergraduate Pre-Health Program (UPP) students during their dental school visits; participated in a high school education outreach program with fellow students and program co-founders Milan Stokes, DDS ’25, and Austin Adams, DDS ’25; and he helped at the DDS Class of 2022 banquet and awards ceremony. Most recently, he spoke to incoming dentistry students during the orientation about guiding the transition to dentistry.
Dental Student Volunteers at the DDS Class of 2022 Graduation Banquet and Awards Ceremony, May 2022 |
Jackson says he hopes to “make the world a better place, one smile at a time,” and he’s well on his way.