ASDA Pre-Dental

ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER
Issue 1
ASDA
Pre-Dental
Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE
2016 Winter Issue
Quick Tips on Interviews
From Faculty & Student Interviewers
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After your interview, follow up
by writing PERSONAL THANK
YOU
CARDS
to
your
interviewers.
Make sure to read, and reread
your
AADSAS
application
before your interview!
In
your
discussion,
BE
GENUINE .
Most
of
the
interviewers have sat through
years of hearing the same
answer and they can tell when
your answers are not honest.
When applying, DO
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focus on (i.e. research, specialty
programs, clinical training). It’ll
save you a lot of money when
applying to schools and realizing
that X program is not what
you’re interested in.
Make sure to do your research of
the school prior to your
interview day (i.e. mission
statement, if they offer
specialty programs).
Always ask your questions. It
shows you are interested and
engaged!
The interview is not only within
the “interview” room. It starts
with your first contact with the
school with any faculty and
student- watch what you say!
Bring a copy of your transcript,
resume,
and
AADSAS
application with you to the
interview just in case there are
multiple people in the room. It
shows you are prepared.
Don’t over-practice, and don’t
sound like a practiced robot.
Sound like a human!
Tips on Interviews
Interview tips from faculty and Roseman
student interviewers
Page 1
“By failing to prepare, you
are preparing to fail.”
-Benjamin Franklin
YOUR
RESEARCH on what schools
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Write down the name of all the
faculty you’ve encountered
(especially your interviewers) so
you know who to send thankyou cards to.
Don’t just put your phone on
vibrate- turn it off or put it away
completely.
Don’t talk about politics or
anything controversial.
Be aware of body language. Eye
contact, shaking hands, etc.
Video record yourself answering
questions.
A Day in the Life of...
Current 1st , 2nd, 3rd and 4th year dental students
highlight their typical day at Roseman University.
V IEW FROM ROSEMAN ’S C LINIC
PARIDHIE P ATEL D3
Page 3-4
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
2
Reflections of a
Non-traditional
Applicant
By Daniel Reynolds D1
My path to dental school was somewhat
atypical. I am an older student who
started with a lower GPA earned from an
undergraduate degree many years ago.
When I decided to pursue dentistry, I
went back to school to complete my prerequisites and boost my GPA. I did very
well in these courses, but despite my
hard work, strong grades and eventual
completion of a second degree, my
overall cumulative GPA still remained
low. Knowing that there was only so
much I could do to improve this, I focused
on
finding
unique
volunteer
opportunities that would help set me
apart from other applicants. I also
networked
continuously,
making
connections with people from all over my
local community of Portland, Oregon.
Despite my volunteering and dental
shadowing hours, solid DAT scores,
abundant references, and improved
grades, I understood that in today’s
academic marketplace, many schools
would be hesitant to view me as a
competitive applicant. I knew I needed to
find a school that was willing to consider
me as a whole student- a sum of all my
parts, a person who learned from my
mistakes and used that knowledge to
work harder to get where I wanted to be.
I needed a school that was dedicated to
excellence with the understanding that
excellence can be shown in different
ways.
I listened to many proud dental school
representatives speak highly of their
program’s dedication to diversity;
however, Roseman walks the talk. This
school knows that being a competent
dentist and positive role model in the
community isn’t simply based on grades
and test scores. It strives to build a strong
class by accepting different types of
applicants and different kinds of
individuals who can learn and support
each other from a world of perspectives.
the class of 2019- a diverse, dynamic
group of students with a commitment to
support one another. It is comforting to
be a part of such a dedicated community
of dental colleagues where we build
relationships that will extend beyond our
tenure here at Roseman University.
I applied to dental school multiple times,
and although I was disappointed with
each rejection, I persevered. It was
difficult to stay hopeful, but I believed
there had to be a school out there that
would value my life experience,
commitment,
and
perseverance.
Roseman proved its uniqueness, seeing
my growth, dedication, and willingness
to work hard. I’m now proud to be part of
Common Activities to Introduce
Manual Dexterity**
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Sewing, knitting, crocheting
Instruments
Carving (wood, soap)
Crafting (lanyards)
Nail art
Origami
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Chopsticks
Writing with non-dominant
hand
Making jewelry
Drawing
**Remember: Quality over quantity. Schools appreciate something
you’ve done for 6 years rather than 10 things for 6 weeks
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A..
A typical day for a D1 is a full day starting early at 8am until around 5pm. We will
either be in lecture or simulation lab depending on the day of the week. Our lectures
are very well delivered and succinct with breaks every hour. During lectures the
professors will provide us with stimulating questions that we periodically discuss in
our “break out” groups.
I feel as though Roseman searches for the best possible professors to teach us the
subject matter. This is especially helpful because of the density and complexity of
the material at this high of an education level. Simulation lab usually starts with a
brief lecture on a subject relevant to our lab exercises that day. During our first day in
lab, we utilized composite to build our anatomy. This is very uncommon for first year
dental students at other schools. They have US WORKING VERY CLOSELY
WITH OUR PROFESSORS and other students while receiving hands on
D1 Year
Jake Parker
experience using our restoration materials, dental instruments, and finishing/
polishing hand pieces. I definitely think that Roseman offers a unique and
progressive experience for first year dental students.
D2 year is awesome at Roseman! Now that we’ve taken the first part of
boards, we can finally get away from the didactic curriculum and feel
like true dental students. In fact, from the first day of D2 year the
faculty has ONE GOAL: GET YOU READY FOR CLINIC. We
start by studying radiology and getting into all the dental specialties. It
doesn’t take long to get into clinic rotations where we start assisting
and getting oriented on the clinic floor. The clinical focus even carries
into sim lab where we start learning more complicated procedures like
crown and bridge. We are all looking forward to endo.
As far as a typical day goes, it varies depending on what we are doing
that day. Most days we are in lecture learning about all the specialties.
We’ve already studied periodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery case
studies. Beyond that, we spend one day in sim lab and one day assisting
in clinic each week. As the year progress, we will start spending less
time in class and more time in clinic.
In some ways it is daunting knowing that everything we cover directly
affects how we practice in the future, but it feels so good to finally be
taking large steps towards actually practicing dentistry.
D2 YEAR
By Trevor
Paskett
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...
D3 YEAR
By Jennifer
Gee
My efforts in juggling meal preps, keeping up with lab
work, squeezing in workouts, and treating patients has
made my life as a D3 a rewarding experience. It has been a
challenging yet rewarding experience transitioning from
working on model teeth in the simulation lab to real
patients in clinic. Learning how to work with the tongue,
continuous salivation, and restrictive opening of the mouth
are some of the challenging obstacles that I have had to
overcome. Effective time management, efficiency and
procedural knowledge have been the highlight of my D3
journey and I continue to grow every day. Working with
my D4 partner has given me AN INVALUABLE
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SIDE BY SIDE
FROM A COMPETENT PROVIDER, as well as gain
greater insight to my own process and how to best
implement change. Every patient I assist as a D3 allows me
greater confidence and ability in handling difficult
situations. Although there are frequent challenges, I
approach each new patient with an open mind and the
intention to provide the best patient centered care.
In an average day, I make an effort to thoroughly prepare
for my appointments. Prior to seeing a patient, I review my
patient's medical history taking note of any drug allergies
or major health conditions. I also review the treatment
plan and look over the radiographs. I have a discussion
with my clinic advisor whenever I come across a difficult
situation that may have multiple treatment options. This is
only a small taste of what it looks like on the clinic floor!
D4 YEAR
By Sadaf
Moghimi
By the time you reach D4 year, you spend 4.5 out of 5 days
in the clinic. A typical day for me starts at 7:30 AM. I wake
up, put on my scrubs, make some breakfast and head to
school. I take thirty minutes before the official start of clinic
(9 AM) to prepare for my day. This usually consists of
SETTING UP MY OPERATORY, CHECKING
MY SCHEDULE, FINALIZING ANY LAB
ORDERS, AND USUALLY THERE IS TIME FOR
CHATTING WITH MY ASSISTANTS,
TEAMMATES , AND FACULTY . At 9:00 a.m. I
usually have my first patient. This appointment lasts
until 11:30 a.m. or so, I then tear down my operatory, write
my notes, and head to lunch. Most lunch sessions are full
with meetings or lunch and learns from various vendors. It
is always nice to eat lunch at school so I can easily
transition back into my afternoon schedule. Afternoon
clinic resumes at 1 PM, but I usually am there at least
fifteen minutes in advance. I typically wrap up my day
sometime between 4-5 PM. Usually on days when I finish
early, I end up staying around to talk about residencies,
practice management, or real-life dentistry with my
faculty. I feel so lucky to have access to the people around
me! After school, I usually try and make time for the gym.
My evenings are time to unwind and prepare for the
following day. Most nights I am in bed, ready to sleep, by 11
PM. Overall, the day-to-day during the fourth year of
dental school is pretty smooth and relaxing. By this point,
most of us can say we feel comfortable and have developed
a solid routine. Of course, D4 year also presents licensing
exams, boards, and possible residency interviews, but apart
from all that it is definitely one of the smoother years.
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
5
SSS
Registration Required
Early Registration (Before 1/29): $15
Normal Registration (After 1/29): $30
ASDA Pre-Dental Members: FREE
Register
Today!!
March 19, 2015
Saturday
8AM- 3PM
10894 S. River Front Pkwy
South Jordan, UT 84095
PRE-DENTAL DAY
ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY CODM
● Secrets of the Admission Committee ● Mock Interview ● Campus Tour ●
Q & A with Students ● Personal Statement Workshop ● Resume/CV Workshop
● AADSAS Overview ● Simulation Activity ● Intro to Dental Anatomy ●
●Breakfast & Lunch Provided ●Free Goodies ●And More!! ●
**Visit our FB page to RESERVE YOUR SPOT
(“Roseman University College of Dental Medicine Pre-Dental Group”)**
For more info contact us at RUASDA.predental@gmail.com
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
6
Why Roseman? More Like, Why NOT Roseman?
THOMAS BORDIERI D1
Why Roseman College of Dental
Medicine (CODM)? Why not is
probably a better question? Deciding
to go to a school that has only been
around for a few years certainly
raised concerns. However, when I
looked closer into my decision to go
to Roseman, it was clear that there
really was no other school that suited
me better. And as for the concern of
Roseman CODM being a newer
program relative to other older
established institutions, it was easily
resolved when evaluating what the
school was all about.
With a newer program also comes a
fresher perspective and approach to
dental education. When I was first
introduced to the program I realized
quickly
that
they
were
revolutionizing the way dental
education is delivered by creating an
educational model that allowed
students to actively learn. I went to an
undergraduate program in California
where it was easy to get lost in a 300
person lecture hall. At Roseman, we
are placed in an active learning
environment, where you are not just
taking a class, but truly MASTERING
EACH SUBJECT. Along with this
comes a 90% requirement to pass
each subject module- this allows the
faculty to assess and identify any
problems the students may have with
curriculum material. At first this
seemed daunting, but I welcomed
this standard, as I think anyone who is
given the privilege to treat fellow
human beings should. As I remember
Dr. Harman, Associate Dean of
Admissions and Student Affairs say, I
wouldn’t want a doctor treating me
who got C’s in school, so why should
we hold our students or ourselves to
standards
of
anything
less?
Furthermore, as anyone who has had
success knows, failure happens just
the same. What I appreciate about
Roseman, is that they understand
this and view failure as an
opportunity
for
learning.
At
Roseman, a non-passing score can
mean 89%, which at most
universities is a great score. If at first
you do not reach this, you
immediately remediate, with special
guidance from the professors, and
then take a reassessment to solidify
mastery. I absolutely love this
approach and it is one of the big
reasons why I knew Roseman would
be a great fit for me. Failure is no
longer a punishment, and tests are no
longer something to fear and have
anxiety over. Here, a failure is a
genuine opportunity for learning.
Roseman is not a place where you can
get lost in the back of a lecture hall.
Every day we are working in teams
during breakout sessions that help
reinforce the topics. After taking our
individual course assessment, we go
into groups to take the same
assessments.
There
is
an
accountability to ourselves and to
each other to master the material. No
one is competing with each other!
Naturally with Roseman being a new
school I was concerned with their
ability to keep us busy with patients.
But our Dean Dr. Licari has
implemented strategies that keep
our waiting rooms overflowing with
patients. As a fourth year we have
opportunities to visit and work in
community clinics that are located all
across the country. This is an
invaluable experience, because you
get to work in settings that can be
very different than those at the
school, where you might see an
average of 8 to 12 patients a day
when you are on rotation. This allows
us to provide as much care to patients
who are underserved and would
otherwise not have access to care.
If I can give any advice it would be to
really look into the schools you are
considering and forget about the
brand of the school, how it looks on
paper, or where your family wants
you to go. You are the one going to
class every day, you have to take the
tests, and it is your experience. You
are also paying a tremendous
amount for a dental education so
focus on the experience you want to
have in dental school, and ask
yourself if you can get that from the
schools you are considering. I knew
wholeheartedly when I went to
Roseman that if I put the work in they
would help me do and achieve
whatever I wanted-whether that was
to do research, community outreach,
be
involved
with
student
organizations, participate in specialty
internships,
and
even
gain
acceptance into a residency program.
Having that support is invaluable and
potentially the main reason I chose to
come here and why I feel confident
that they will prepare me to be the
BEST CLINICIAN AND LIFELONG
COLLEAGUE that I could be.
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
7
Help Shape the Future of the Dental Profession
By
Tahsin Anwar D1
When many pre-dentals hear the
phrase “dental legislation,” their
reactions often accompany blank
stares. Many might find it easy to
believe that legislation in dentistry
is something that would not affect
their daily lives. Pre-dentals might
also think that they have zero
influence over such large scale
topics. I too was in the dark about
many issues affecting dentistry
until I attended ASDA’s National
Leadership Conference as a predental student.
At
NLC
I
learned
that
LEGISLATION IS THE HEART
OF
THE
STUDENT
ASSOCIATION.
AMERICAN
DENTAL
More
importantly I learned that
dentistry requires a united voice in
order to make impactful changes
within policy. I was constantly
reminded that everyone can play a
role in advocacy. I was exposed to
current
legislative
issues
concerning mid-level providers,
student loan refinancing, and
funding for dental public health
initiatives. As an eager pre-dental,
I was a sponge, taking in every bit
of information thrown at me. As a
first year dental student, my
continued involvement in ASDA
and active participation
in
the
legislative
committee has really
helped me develop my
own opinions on many
important topics. ASDA creates
such a wonderful atmosphere to
not only grow within the
organization but also as an
individual.
My involvement in ASDA as a predental was what truly sparked my
interest in policy and dental
legislation. As a dental student, I
Keep on the Lookout For:
NSRG Research Conference FEBRUARY 19-20
National ASDA Pre-dental Week FEBRUARY 21-27
Roseman ASDA Pre-Dental Day MARCH 19
Roseman ADEA Annual Simulation Course in MAY
understand that there are issues
worth
THAT
fighting
WILL
for,
ISSUES
DIRECTLY
AFFECT MY PROFESSION
AND THE LIVES OF MY
PATIENTS . I hope to continue
my involvement in organized
dentistry throughout my time as a
student and dental professional.
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
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WHAT IS AMERICAN DENTAL
STUDENT ASSOCIATION
(ASDA)?
Mission Statement:
The American Student Dental
Association (ASDA) is a national
student-run organization that
protects and advances the rights,
interests, and welfare of dental
students. It introduces students to
LIFELONG INVOLVEMENT in
organized dentistry and provide
services, information, education,
representation, and advocacy.
What does this mean for the predentals?
Dentistry is a lifelong commitment,
and being aware of the issues
impacting the profession is crucial.
On a large-scale, you can learn about
all the hot topics going on in
dentistry such as mid-level providers,
fluoridation, student loans, and the
licensure debate. On a more local
level, you can get involved with any
of the dental schools’ ASDA chapters
to get your questions answered, get
paired with a mentor, have your
personal statements reviewed, as
well as attend simulation courses
and annual pre-dental day. You’ll
have opportunities to apply for
national leadership positions and
voice your opinion! We highly
encourage you to officially register
to become an ASDA pre-dental
member. Doing so shows your
commitment to learn more and
become actively involved in the
advancement of organized dentistry.
Benefits of ASDA Pre Dental
MEMBERSHIP:
AMAZING Things that
Roseman Offers
Copy of “Getting into Dental School- ASDA’s
Guide for Pre-dental Students”
●
Provides requirements and admission stats
of ALL dental schools
Discounts on DAT prep resources (i.e. Crack
the DAT, Chad’s Videos, Kaplan, TopScore
Pro)
Free subscription to ASDA’s award-winning
publications (i.e. ASDA News, Mouth:
Journal of the American Student Dental
Association, Word of Mouth)
Opportunity to attend ASDA regional and
national meetings and apply for leadership
positions
Exclusive invitation to our annual pre-dental
day
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Opportunities to write for our blog and
newsletter, which will be read by all students
and faculty of Roseman University CODM
Mentorship program
Networking opportunities with other 20,000
dental students and faculty across the
country
Discounts on car insurance through GEICO
Register at:
http://asdanet.org/joinnow.aspx
(Make sure to sign up under Roseman
University of Health Sciences CODM!)
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No Wax! Within the first month of
school D1’s learn dental anatomy using
composite. This allows familiarization
of a commonly used material for
restoration.
Block System! You do not have to take
5 classes at the same time, have 5
exams on the same day. All focus is on
one subject allowing you to fully absorb
and retain the information.
Part I boards exam is taken after the
first year! This allows more focus on
building clinical skills.
The unique set-up of the room! Not
your typical lecture-hall style. Allows
more interaction with professor and
fellow students
No Letter Grades! The pass/no pass
system eliminates competition and
pushes for more collaborative work so
that everyone can support each other
to pass!
New lab equipment & technology! CAD
Cams? Yes! High instructor to student
ratio? Yes! Machines new and
advanced? Yes, please!
Life-Long Colleague Philosophy! In
and out of lecture, students work in
teams to discuss case studies, lecture
materials, and review for exams!
Faculty actually want to hear what we
have to say! Our ideas and concerns
are listened to and changes are
implemented quickly.
ASDA
PRE-DENTAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1
9
Contact us at
RUASDA.predental@gmail.com
if you are intestested
in:
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Contributing to the next Roseman
University CODM Pre-dental
Newsletter
Our Mentorship Program
Taking a tour of our awesome
campus
Getting more information about
Roseman University College of
Dental Medicine
Learning more about ASDA
Applying for a national ASDA
position
Have any ideas on how we can
better support YOU!
STAY CONNECTED!
Facebook: Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
Pre-Dental Group or Roseman ASDA
Instagram: RosemanASDA
Snapchat: RosemanASDA
Website: www.RUASDA.com
Email: RUASDA.predental@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Project Manager: Joanna Lee
Editor: Thao Nguyen
Content Reviewer: Madison Mick, Jasmine Cheema