Blogistry

A Pre-Dental Girl in a Pre-Medical World

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Isabella

Isabella Paniagua-Novak
Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2015

So you want to be a dentist, but you attend a school where it’s safe to say the majority of the student body is pre-medical. Finding a pre-dental student on campus is pretty rare; almost as rare as finding a pre-veterinarian student, but yes, they do exist! 

For the few of us that have decided to pursue a pre-dental education in a mainly pre-medical school, we’ve got it pretty rough for several reasons. Even though the Office of Pre-Professional Advising at my school does help by having a few pre-dental resources here and there (including a great pre-dental advisor), there is no established pre-dental society or club on campus and the majority of resources are geared towards pre-med students. Dental research is difficult to come across, and finding dental shadowing and volunteer opportunities is challenging as well. Here are some things that I’ve done to make the pre-med atmosphere here work for me:
IsabellaInternship

1. Even though there are no pre-dental clubs or societies on my campus, I joined some of the pre-medical clubs. Any type of volunteering geared towards the community in a medical setting is beneficial. These opportunities might not always (or ever) be in a dental environment, but are still incredibly valuable. Often, these activities provide you with a chance to interact with different types of people and learn good chairside manner.

2. There are a lot of “medical school mock interviews” and seminars giving tips for getting into medical school and building your resume. I attended a few of them because applying to dental school is much like applying to medical school – it’s competitive, selective, and a huge commitment. Many of the tips geared toward pre-med students can also be applied to the pre-dental path.

3. I’ve been very fortunate to find good places to shadow dental professionals during my undergraduate career. Finding a dentist to shadow can be very difficult due to privacy laws. Be persistent and someone will eventually say yes. This was so hard at first, but if you set your mind to it, you will eventually find a dentist to shadow. The Hopkins pre-professional advising website has a great e-mail example to send to dental offices where you hope to shadow, so make sure you check it out!

In a school full of pre-med students, it’s tough being a pre-dental student. There are so many resources out there to prepare you for the dental school application process, so you just have to take the initiative to look.


Posted by Samantha Bashams at 5/22/2013 11:11 AM Comments (1)

Preparing for 2014 ADEA PASS

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Yolanda   

 

Yolanda Jones
PASS Manager
ADEA, Division of Educational Pathways

Have you decided to apply to advanced dental education programs? Get started now because the 2013-2014  ADEA PASS  application opens on May 21st, 2013. Here are 10 things you should know about applying to advanced dental education programs through ADEA PASS.

1. Using the ADEA PASS Program Search Engine, research programs you are interested in. Pay close attention to the supplemental information (i.e. CV, 2X2 photo) you will have to send directly to the programs that you apply to.

2. All re-applicants must create a new application and resubmit all new materials.

3. The ADEA PASS application fee is $190 for the first program and $71 for each additional program.

4. Make sure your Curriculum Vitae is up to date. The online ADEA PASS application collects information included on a CV/resume. In addition, many programs also request that a full version be sent to them directly.

5. The ETS Personal Potential Index (PPI) is a requirement for the ADEA PASS application. The PPI report is a composite report of three to five evaluations by individuals selected by the applicant. Evaluators give ratings on six non-cognitive dimensions of an applicant and are then asked to comment on their ratings. You can learn more about the PPI evaluation here.

6. The Professional Evaluation Form (PEF), which is similar to a traditional Letter of Recommendation, is optional. PEFs are completed by evaluators that applicants designate in their application. We recommend utilizing PEF’s if you wish to highlight special or unique experiences such as a research project or leadership opportunity.

7. It is strongly recommended that applicants do not use the same evaluators to complete a PPI and a PEF, as doing so does not add value to your application.

8. Who should you ask to complete your evaluations? Here are some suggestions…
- Faculty members who know you well.
- Faculty members who have observed your clinical skills.
- Faculty members associated with the type of program you are applying to.

9. ADEA PASS and Match are separate and distinct services. The Match is used by applicants and programs to determine the final placement of applicants into positions after the ADEA PASS application and evaluation process are complete. ADEA PASS is administered by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), while Match is administered by National Matching Services Inc. (NMS).

10. Applicants can customize their ADEA PASS application. For example, if you decide to apply to different specialties (i.e. GPR and ORTHO) and would like to customize your application, you can:

• Customize your Professional Evaluation Forms. Applicants designate which PEFs are sent to each program.
• Write separate essays at no additional fee. An essay can be assigned to a particular program. This allows applicants to write essays geared toward each specialty. Programs are only able to view the essays and PEF’s that have been assigned specifically to them.

The ADEA PASS customer service team is available Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET) to assist with your application process.

Email: passinfo@passweb.org
Phone: 617-612-2065
 
Good Luck!!!
Posted by Samantha Bashams at 5/16/2013 3:19 PM Comments (0)

Preparing for the 2014 ADEA AADSAS - Video

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By Chonte James, Director of ADEA AADSAS

Posted by Samantha Bashams at 5/14/2013 2:35 PM Comments (0)

Preparing for the 2014 ADEA AADSAS

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Dr. Anne Wells

Dr. Anne Wells
ADEA Senior Vice President, Division of Educational Pathways



Mark your calendars—June 3, 2013 is the opening of the ADEA centralized application for students seeking admission into the 2014 dental school entering class. Although the application doesn’t open until June 3, here are some things you do in advance to make the application process smooth and efficient:

Prepare a resume of your accomplishments (including dates). Compiling all this information beforehand will allow you to complete the application more quickly. You will be asked to provide information in the ADEA AADSAS application about:
• Honors & awards
• Volunteer & community service activities
• Work experience
• Research experience 

Begin to identify individuals who can write letters of evaluation on your behalf. They won’t need to supply letters until the application cycle begins, but it’s always a good idea to line up your evaluators in advance. Check with your health professions advisor. Your school may offer a service to compile letters on your behalf and/or produce a Committee Report. If not, the ADEA AADSAS application will ask you to supply contact information for up to four individuals who can provide letters of evaluation. Most dental schools like to receive letters from:
• Faculty in the sciences
• Faculty or others who can comment on special educational experiences or special qualities you possess
• A dentist with whom you have shadowed and/or discussed careers in dentistry 

Begin thinking about your personal statement for your ADEA AADSAS application. You will be required to submit a one-page personal statement about why you desire to pursue a dental education. Be original and be thoughtful! This is your opportunity to tell your story. And remember…some schools and programs are now using plagiarism software…make sure your essay is your own.

For more information about preparing for the 2014 application cycle, visit the Applicant page.
What questions do you have about the application process? Start a thread in our discussion forum DentNetworks, or comment on this blog and let’s start a conversation.

Posted by Samantha Bashams at 5/13/2013 9:23 AM Comments (0)

Pursuing a Dual Career - Dental Education and Clinical Practice

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Eric Smith - Blog

University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2015
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Eric Smith describes his desire to pursue a dual career in dental education and clinical practice.

The straight-forward answer to the question ‘why do you want to be an educator in addition to a practicing clinician?’ is relatively simple: teaching feels great, and clinical practice feels great too. Now, the answer to the question ‘WHY does teaching feel great?’ requires a much more in-depth and inevitably incomplete description of my feelings on the matter, as are all explanations about why individuals have passion for a particular activity or topic.

I have struggled so much to grasp a lot of the basic concepts in the dental sciences and in clinical dentistry. I am now in my 6th year of post-high school education, and I can confidently say that, when it comes to learning new topics and new skill sets, I am a (oftentimes frustratingly) linear thinker. My education has been built step-by-step, in a meticulous, painstaking manner. But, every so often, I reach a point in mastering a subject where I begin to understand the interconnectedness of the various subjects we are taught in the classroom, and how those topics can translate to the clinic. It is these flashes of inspiration that I am eager to tell others about, and that make me so excited to teach. I want students to gain a lifelong appreciation for the applicability of the basic sciences to clinical practice. And I want to be with students as they take their first steps in learning the art of clinical dentistry, to catalyze both their excellence in and passion with the profession.

On a more esoteric note, teaching is a way to keep my mind and my imagination active. I think that quality teaching is as dependent on imagination as it is on actual mastery of the subject matter being taught. Splitting my time between teaching and operating a private practice will allow me to pursue my passion for clinical dentistry while not sacrificing my talent as an educator.

I would like to close by sharing the best advice that my favorite teacher once gave to me: choose your path in life selfishly. Do things because they feel good, and do something that you’ll never get tired of. After more than 8 years of working as a tutor for younger students, I couldn’t imagine pursuing a career that robbed me of the opportunity to educate.


Posted by Samantha Bashams at 5/7/2013 10:20 AM Comments (0)

Featured Student Profile: Michele Graham

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Michele Graham Blog
  

Michele Graham
Second-year dental student
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry


Why did you choose dentistry as your career path?

I always knew I wanted to be a health care provider and dedicate my career to helping others. As I began to observe in different health care settings, I became very confident that dentistry was the specialty for me. I was attracted to dentistry, in part, because it gives you the ability to diagnose problems and also the ability to fix them. I was exposed to how fulfilling dentistry is as a profession by watching my father, a dentist in Virginia, who enjoys going to work every day and being able to help others through his profession.
While exploring dentistry further, I was struck by how much dentists love their profession. It is not uncommon to hear about dentists working well past retirement because they love so much what they do. Last month at our Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) dental reunion, I talked to a member of the 1962 class who had been practicing for almost 50 years and had no intention of retiring. Hearing these stories—which seem to be very common in dentistry—is one of the reasons I was so attracted to the profession. I feel honored that I will become a part of such a fulfilling profession.

What advice would you like to share with applicants or those considering dental school? 
I would advise students to have a positive attitude and open mind when going through the application process. I would suggest applying to many programs and considering new towns and different parts of the country. Programs can be very diverse and you don’t want to limit yourself to just one geographic area.
 
I would highly recommend applying to any program you have interest in and then going to the interview if invited. Doing the interview will ensure you have a personal experience with the school and have the chance to talk to students and faculty about the program, as well as see the area where the school is located. It is a great way to formulate an opinion about a school, and I would advise having an open mind at each interview.
 
Another suggestion would be to have a positive attitude if you are not successful in gaining admission to a program the first year you apply. The application process is very competitive, and you might be a good fit for a school but just need to do things slightly differently to receive an interview at a program. If you don’t get invited for an interview your first application year, contact the admissions office. Ask the department if you can talk to someone about your application and try to get information about why you were not selected. Talking with someone in the admissions office is a great way to know what you can improve upon so as to increase your chances for the following year.
 
Most programs want you to get your application in early, so I would also recommend getting your application in as early as possible. Try and take your Dental Admission Test (DAT) early and ask for recommendation letters well in advance so nothing is holding up your application. I would suggest that prior to starting school, you participate in activities that involve working with people less fortunate than you. Such an experience will give you both a wonderful perspective on how much need there is in the health care profession and a hands-on experience in the field that you are entering.

Before applying to dental school, what activities did you undertake to improve your manual dexterity? 
 
I enjoy hobbies enabling me to create things with my hands and express myself artistically. I feel that woodworking has helped me improve my manual dexterity. I also enjoy music, and I played the clarinet for six years as a student in the school symphonic band. Playing golf in college also helped me to improve my manual dexterity. Additionally, I enjoy playing pool. I believe any activity that requires fine movements and eye-hand coordination can help develop the manual dexterity it takes to be a great clinical dentist.

*For Past student Profiles, Click Here




Posted by Samantha Bashams at 5/1/2013 12:48 PM Comments (0)

Starting a Predental Club on Your Campus - Part II

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 *See Also: Starting a Predental Club on Your Campus - Part I

Joining a pre-dental club is a great way to meet other students who share similar career goals and can provide you with resources and support through your pathway to dental school. If your university does not have a pre-dental club, consider starting your own! Here are ten tips to help guide you in starting a pre-dental club.
 
1. Find a faculty member who can serve as an advisor. Some schools will require a faculty member to support your organization. Even if your university does not require a faculty advisor, having a faculty member be part of your pre-dental club will help you to make sure you utilize your university’s resources and can provide helpful scholastic advice to your members.

2. Find a group of dedicated students to serve as officers. By putting together a small group of student leaders, you will be able to run your organization effectively and efficiently. A dynamic duo can complete much more than an individual leader.

3. Attract pre-dental students. Obviously your pre-dental club needs members. If your university has a pre-health advisor, talk to him/her to find pre-dental students. If your university has a pre-medical club, see if any members are curious about dental medicine. Most importantly, advertise your new organization to the university community. Word-of-mouth is a great way to spread the news about your club, but consider putting up flyers to try to reach the entire student body.

4. Pick a good time for your meetings. While it is great to have special events, scheduling regular meetings is a good way to make sure that your members are receiving the benefits of being in a pre-dental club. Ask your potential members what days and times work well for them; you don’t want to conflict with other major student organizations or popular times for class. Typically weekday evenings are a good time for meetings.

5. Determine the aim of your club. What do you want your members to get out of joining your organization? Do you want your organization to be a way for pre-dental students to meet and socialize? Do you want to facilitate mentorship between upperclassmen and underclassmen? Do you want to provide advice regarding academics, or perhaps organize DAT preparation? Do you want to offer community outreach opportunities? Ask your potential or new members what they would like to get out of your club.

6. Select a style for your meetings or events. Would you prefer round-table discussions, or lecture-style seminars? Consider mixing it up, having some small group get-togethers and other larger formal gatherings.

7. Make each meeting unique. If each meeting is the same, nobody will want to come back. Foster a good active membership by choosing unique and exciting topics for your meetings.

8. Find guest speakers. Find a local dentist who could talk to your group about their experiences, or a current dental student who could share about their decision making process in choosing a dental school, or a faculty member who could advise your members what classes they should take.

9. Set up events designed to allow your members to interact socially. Fellow club members could become your best friends and your greatest mentors.

10. Make sure the leadership of your club is approachable. Provide members with your email address so they can contact you with questions or suggestions, or set up an email account for your club. Answering your members’ questions is a great way to engage your members and listening to their suggestions could provide you with new ideas for meetings or events.
 
Good luck on your journey to starting your pre-dental club! If you have any questions or advice for others, please post them on the GoDental DentNetworks pre-dental forums. 
 
   
Posted by Samantha Bashams at 4/26/2013 12:23 PM Comments (0)
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