ASDA
NEWSLETTER VOLUME VIII ISSUE I Reach For The Stars
Letter From The Editors Dear friends and family, It’s hard to believe that yet another semester is coming to a close. It seems like the semester began just yesterday and yet, here we are. The first years are wrapping up their first semester of dental school, second years are in the thick of the most rigorous year, third years have successfully completed six months as providers in the clinic, and just one more semester stands between the fourth years and graduation. While the days are long, the weeks and months fly by and before we know it, we’ve conquered yet another milestone. And so, we present “On The Cusp: Reach for the Stars”. This theme serves as a reminder to us all that the sky is truly the limit. As dental students, we are pushed to our absolute limits. And in the process, we realize just how resilient and capable we truly are. Remember how hard you worked to get here, overcoming barriers and challenges that at one point in time, seemed insurmountable. As you reflect on the highs and lows of the past four months, don’t forget to give yourself a well-deserved round of applause. And as you set new goals for the new year, remember your potential and strive for greatness. In other words, Reach for the Stars. This edition features our very own, ASDA President Emily Nguyen (DMD 2025), as well as alumni Dr. Hicret Islamogulu (DMD 2022), Dr. Philip Tagatac (DMD 2022), and Dr. Scott Turchi. You’ll also find a little game or two, and your editors’ top picks for free and fun things to do nearby campus. We hope you’ll find this edition just as inspiring as we do. Enjoy the read,
The Editors
Kimberly Nguyen
Mahvish Khan
Table of Contents 1. Letter From The Editors 2. ASDA Board 3. Letter From The President 4. Alumni Spotlight - Dr. Phillip 5. Student Debt Management Dr Burr 6. Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Izz 7. Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Turchi 8. Fun Things To Do 9. Word Search
ASDA Board
Letter From The President Hi everyone, thanks for reading WesternU ASDA’s first newsletter of the school year! (: For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Emily and I’m ASDA’s chapter president. I want to start off by shouting out to my amazing board. I consider ASDA to be an extremely active and influential organization, and it's only because of the hard work and dedication of my board members. I seriously brag about how amazing these guys are when I talk to ASDA presidents of other schools. Having such high-quality leaders on my team inspires me to be the best president I can be. It’s been such an honor to lead such a large group of self-motivated individuals. When I think about where I am today and what my future looks like, a big part of it has been influenced by ASDA. It’s crazy because I never saw myself as a leader of an organization like this. In undergrad, I was pretty shy and didn’t hold too many leadership positions. When I got to Western, I took a realistic look at what soft skills I needed to improve on before becoming a dentist (and it was a lot). Although I knew it would be out of my comfort zone, I really wanted to pursue a handful of leadership positions. I figured dental school would be the last opportunity I have to round out my skill set before I’m out in the real world. So why not do everything? And if I make mistakes along the way, at least I’m still in school and I can say that I’ve learned something. Within the past few years, I did a lot of things for the first time. I learned how to use Canva; I presented so many PowerPoints that public speaking scares me a lot less now; and I took on being president of one of the biggest and most fun organization in CDM. My younger self would have never expected me to now be traveling across the country learning from renown speakers at ASDA conferences, having a network of dental students across the country, or hosting events like Fever Week, Golf Tournament, or Halloween Health Fair. I’m honestly so grateful for the opportunities WesternU and ASDA has given me to grow. My experience in dental school wouldn’t have been as great anywhere else. Last year, I got together with my executive board and we thought about what we wanted our theme to be. We landed on an outer space theme with the hashtag #YouBelong. As I imagine looking at Earth from outer space, I see this theme working on 2 levels: (1) it's a reminder to focus on the big picture–becoming an amazing dentist–and not to sweat the little things, and (2) it touches on my goal of promoting inclusion and fostering a sense of community where everyone feels like they belong. This issue of “On The Cusp” will highlight features from our alumni and faculty in addition to fun activities and yummy bites around campus. I hope you guys read it and #ReachForTheStars Xoxo,
Emily Nguyen
WesternU ASDA President 2023-2024 DMD 2025 Candidate
Hello, my name is Philip Tagatac, and I graduated from Western University in 2022. At the moment, I work as both an associate dentist for a few practices and the dental practice owner of Inland Dental Arts in San Bernardino. I 100% attribute WesternU’s holistic clinical approach that truly helped prepare me for my career in dentistry. We were taught day one to treat the patient and not the tooth, and to look at the entirety of the person to help change their approach not only to their oral health or overall lifestyle. I remember talking to Dr. Henson about this holistic approach during the systems courses and he reminded me that as dentists, it’s our duty to treat our patients as fellow humans, and not as dollar signs.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Phillip
What is your current position and how did WesternU prepare you for your career?
Another thing that WesternU offered me was mentorship- in fact, I would even argue that I talk with faculty even more nowadays after I have graduated! One of my mentors, Dr Urdaneta, played an integral role in developing my career. Ge and I, through the Hispanic Student Dental Association, planned a dental outreach with the Flying Samaritans at UCSD and provided free dental care in Ensenada, Mexico, back in 2019. Since then, I’ve shadowed at his prosthodontics office, and shared our hobbies of mountain biking, sailing, and even flying! This type of fellowship is unheard of at other schools, but this helped me understand the kind of dentist I wanted to become. Specifically a dentist of integrity, who holds their patients at the highest value, a dentist who continually seeks to improve their knowledge and scope of practice, and a dentist who is able to balance their time with their family, business, and God. Of course the pre-clinical education played a significant role in my career development, but I would argue and say that the two rotations during my D3 and D4 years helped me the most. The first rotation in Shasta, CA taught me to think on my feet, be able to be comfortable not knowing what to do but diligently researching afterwards what to do, and ultimately humbling me that to this day I have so much to learn as a dentist, doctor, and leader in the field. My second rotation at Omni Family Health in Bakersfield, CA pushed me to trust in the foundation that my education at WesternU taught me. I remember telling my attending, Dr Shazad, that by the end of the rotation, that I wanted to become competent enough that he would feel comfortable hiring someone like me as an associate.
Dr. Phillip
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
There were days that were grueling, seeing 20 patients between the two of us. However, he pushed and encouraged me to remain steadfast and to keep a humble heart. By the end of the rotation, he reassured me that by keeping my patient’s first and not seeking the financial gains as the priority, I would become a dentist that patients could look up to and trust. Had it not been for these experiences that WesternU offered me, I would wholeheartedly say that I would not be the practicing dentist that I am. Shortly after graduation, I became an associate dentist in Orange County. Under the doctor I worked with, accompanied with CE courses, I learned and reinforced my knowledge and practice in implant dentistry, comprehensive treatment planning, surgical procedures such as sinus lifts, alveolar ridge expansion, and endodontics. He shared his wisdom of owning and running a dental practice. In the meanwhile, I volunteered with faculty like Dr Johnny Han at events with California CareForce, Healing California, and the Flying Doctors. Volunteering helped reinforce why I became a dentist, and helped develop a heart that was passionate to help those in need. In February of 2023, I had the opportunity to purchase a practice in San Bernardino. It was an empty office, only running hardly once a month. At the price (around a Tesla Model 3), I figured, “Why not” and purchased the practice. We have made great strides at the practice, working our way to impact our local community of the Inland Empire. Organizations like the OG Dental Group, Tri-County Dental Society, and fellow colleagues who are in the start-up grind have helped me run and start my practice. Practice ownership, especially when I bought the practice at 27, has not been easy. Patients left and right have questioned my clinical experience at a quick look at myself. However, with the background that WesternU has given me and a practice focused on a holistic approach, my patients have learned to trust myself and my team. We have made moves to integrate digital dentistry, like 3D Scanning, CBCT-guided endodontics and implant placements, and are constantly receiving and applying patient feedback to improve our services to our practice. Starting a practice is something I believe many dentists should do. There’s never going to be a time that you are truly “ready.” As some of my mentors have said, starting a practice is like having a child for the first time, you will have to figure things out as you go. I can say earnestly that though I am physically and emotionally drained at times, starting and running a practice has been undoubtedly life-changing, and gives the practice the ability to truly make a difference in the community.
Honestly, I would have taken advantage of getting to know my faculty more. These individuals have dedicated their lives to prepare the next generation of dentists and community health leaders, and I feel that I took them for granted. Of course, I did not agree upon 100% of what each of them say, but their experience, commitment to education, and approach to sharpen the mindset of their students helped me understand each of their unique perspectives and approaches, and taught me to gather data and utilize it in a way that matches my practice philosophy! Each of the faculty I have encountered all had something I could learn from and integrate into my approach with patients.
How would you advise others to plan for their future? For the current dental students at WesternU, and for anyone considering the field of dentistry, my biggest advice here is to reflect and understand why you have chosen this career path. Are you doing it for wealth or prestige? To be able to help others in ways only a trained dentist can? To be a leader in the healthcare community? To me, the purpose of my practice in dentistry is to be able to educate and teach the importance of dentistry to my patients who might not understand its importance, and empower each and every one of them to take control of both their oral and physical health. I remind myself that though there are times, especially as a practice owner, where patients come in anxious, furious, or even apprehensive about the dentist, that everyone comes from different backgrounds, and we have to be able to convey our message to them as best as we can. There can and will be stubborn patients who are unwilling to change. Despite this, we still are responsible for teaching them, patiently guiding them, and in rare cases, dismissing them and urging them to find a dentist who can help them further. As my mentors once said, “You don’t have to do treatment for everyone, but you have to treat everyone with respect.” If we lose sight of why we became dentists, and I pray that we all become dentists for the benefit of our patients before profits, then we do a disservice not only to our profession, but more importantly to our patients.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Phillip
If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently?
Student Debt Management
BY DR. BURR PDS
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT DR. HISCRET IZZ Can you tell us about your path to becoming a dentist? What inspired you and what was your journey like? I've always had a passion for working with people, and as I learned about healthcare disparities throughout high school, I knew I wanted to be in healthcare when it was time to apply to college. Following various shadowing experiences in healthcare professions, my interest in dentistry flourished during my undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado in Denver. After completing a bachelor's degree in Biology, I relocated to California to be close to my family. Upon facing initial setbacks with dental school admissions post-graduation, I remained dedicated to my dream. Advice I received emphasized gaining more dentistry experience and enhancing my application. I underwent training as a dental assistant and worked in a private practice before enrolling in a master's program at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona (CPP). During this time, I conducted research on the effects of the antioxidant Glutathione on Tuberculosis for my thesis under the guidance of Dr. Vishy Venketaraman at WesternU's College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. This is where my involvement with WesternU students and faculty expanded, resulting in the publication of seven scientific papers before my acceptance into dental school. While pursuing my master's, I concurrently served as a teaching associate at CPP, teaching general biology and hematology. This experience really ignited my passion for teaching. In the end, my perseverance paid off, and I started dental school shortly after completing my master's program.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT DR. HISCRET IZZ What was your experience at WesternU as a student and now as a faculty member? My time as a student at WesternU was profoundly enriching. This institution fosters a collegial and supportive environment for both students and faculty. Eager to maximize my experience, I dedicated significant free time to volunteer work and active participation in events organized by various clubs, including ADEA and DSRG. Serving as an officer for these clubs, I completed the ADEA Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program, delving into teaching in OMFP, conducting research on Adaptive and TeamBased Learning, and presenting at the ADEA annual session. Coming back as a faculty member, I continue to appreciate WesternU's collaborative atmosphere. The opportunity to contribute to the educational mission of the institution was a natural progression for me.
What made you want to come back to WesternU to teach? My teaching experiences at CPP and WesternU solidified my passion for education. When an opportunity to teach at WesternU presented itself during my time in private practice after graduation, I accepted it wholeheartedly.
What is your advice for us as students? We are all very ambitious people and in pursuit of excellence in this profession, so it's easy to become engrossed in grades and assignments. However, I encourage you to also prioritize a fulfilling experience—forge lifelong connections, engage in peer-led events, and explore your passions. Uncover new interests by trying diverse activities; you might discover previously unforeseen avenues that align with your aspirations.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT DR. SCOTT TURCHI Although you need no introduction, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about you? I grew up in Palos Verdes, CA. and from a young age I was an avid golfer. I practiced and played anytime possible. I have been fortunate to travel around the world both sightseeing and scuba diving. I enjoy cooking, reading and have spent a long time studying World War II history.
Can you tell us about your path to becoming a dentist? What inspired you and what was your journey like? My father is a dentist, so I grew up around the dental office and would frequently visit the office and watch and listen to everything that was happening. I started to do some simple things in the lab and really enjoyed it. As a young person, the idea of being a dentist seemed very natural, I never had to think about it. It would be my goal. In college, I started to research dental schools and their requirements. Back in that time, there were a number of schools that would accept applicants after 3 years in college. I figured if I could apply and get in after 3 years, why not? Late in December, I was accepted to UOP for the following August. That made the Spring semester difficult as I knew I would be at UOP, but I knew I had to still make good grades.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT DR. SCOTT TURCHI
In your opinion, how has dentistry evolved over the years? What can we as students and future clinicians do to adapt in an ever-changing field? Dentistry has and will continue to evolve over time. Technology is the driving force in health care and is the leading factor for change. There was a time when there were no computers and all patient records were on paper charts. Computers have given us digital radiographs, CAD CAM, EHR, patient management programs, CBCT imaging, digital printing in dentistry and the ability to bill insurance electronically. Students have grown up in the technological age and all of these modalities seem commonplace. There will be advancements in technology in the future and these changes may include a technology that has not even been discovered yet.
Lastly, why teaching and specifically, why WesternU? My first experience in teaching was back in 1990 at the UCLA School of Dentistry in their newly established AEGD program. It was one day a week and at first, it seemed like a nice break in the work week, but as it continued, I began to enjoy working with the new graduates on more difficult cases. I found I was learning along with the teaching. I continued on at UCLA for four years in the AEGD program until I purchased my own practice and needed to put all my focus on the building and development of the office. The idea of teaching was still in the back of my mind. In my early 40’s, I began to develop early onset osteoarthritis and I knew in the short term that I would be unable to continue to practice safely. After selling my practice, an opportunity to volunteer at CDM presented itself. I started with one day a week which eventually expanded to a full time position in ECD. Other opportunities to teach at other dental schools were available, but the culture and feel of what was happening here at Western was different. I could tell that the faculty truly cared about the students and wanted the best education possible. This was the same feeling that I had as a student at UOP, so it just seemed like a natural fit. CDM is a unique place and provides a special learning environment for students and I enjoy being part of making it as humanistic as possible.
Fun Things To Do Free Hiking | Claremont Hills Loop Embark on a 5-mile moderate hike with the Claremont Hills Loop, a scenic trail offering breathtaking views and a refreshing outdoor experience. Perfect for hikers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts, this charming hillside loop provides a rejuvenating journey through the beautiful hills surrounding Claremont. Lace up your shoes and enjoy the adventure. Claremont Farmers Market The Claremont Farmers Market is a vibrant community hub featuring fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. Explore a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, and unique items from local vendors. It's the perfect spot to support local businesses and enjoy a lively atmosphere in Claremont. Activities Barcade | Paradox Arcade + Bar With just a 6 minute walk from school, come unwind with your buddies, grab some drinks and dive into some arcade games for a perfect evening. Spa Day | Glen Ivy Hot Spring | GlenIvy.com Glen Ivy Spa, a haven of relaxation in Southern California, is the ideal spot for solo retreats, romantic getaways, or quality time with friends and family. For $85 admission, indulge in allday access amenities such as the mineral baths, Club Mud, normal pool, yoga sessions, saline pool, and a bathhouse with a steam room.
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