Student Community Outreach Program and Education (SCOPE) was established in 2001 to provide predoctoral students with valuable experiences in community service before beginning the clinical curriculum. Each student is required to complete 40 hours of non-dental community projects during the first two years of dental school. Through this experience, students can expand their personal and professional insight, gain experience in cultural competency, and help serve the needs of the community.

The clinical phase of the program, which is now known as SCOPE II, was initiated in 1998 and has grown to serve many sites throughout Western Pennsylvania. Predoctoral students participating in SCOPE II have volunteered their clinical skills in underserved communities from Altoona, Pa., to Youngstown, Ohio while helping practicing dentists to provide necessary dental care to their individual community. Journal writing is an integral part of SCOPE and SCOPE II as a way of encouraging professional development.