Class of 2016, this edition of the TENNESSEALANT has been assembled as a guide to help with your transition into the world of Dentistry. Our TOP TEN SUGGESTIONS are in no particular order, so begin by following the orange line below.
The ASDA is the largest student-run organization for dental students in the United States. It gives us a voice in the decisions that effect us now and those that will affect us in the future.
apart of and with that we knew that you would make For instance, tuition for dental school is far from cheap, and like 95% of us we have to
the right decision.
take out loans that have about a 7% interest
The ASDA offers many opportunities for leadership
rate in order to pay for our education and living expenses. The ASDA is lobbying the government to lower these rates to 4.7% in
positions, allows students to get involved with their community through out reach programs such as
order to make the repayment process
Target House, helps students further their career as clinicians, and house multiple gathering events to
somewhat “reasonable.” So why should you
allow students to take a break from school and some
be a part of the ASDA?
fun with their classmates.
The ASDA is a very important of your dental education, not only does it look good on to
This semester we have 14 “Lunch and Learn” dates set
be a part of but it also makes an impression for our school as to how much involvement
to play loans back, free merchandise, the opportunity for jobs, and of course free food. We have vendor
we have in the organization. Across the nation being a part of the ASDA is a
fair coming up where vendors from companies come from all over to present their products and allow you
requirement to even attend their school, there are only four schools in the nation that
to see how the dental profession is progressing. There will be great prizes as usual with last year we
do not add the ASDA fee as part of their tuition fee. As one of the only four schools
gave away an iPad and headlight. So come be apart of the ASDA.
which will allow students to get financial advice, ways
that does not require you to join, we realize that it is expensive to come to dental school especially with having to buy your scrubs, loops, and kits in the first month of school. So we opted to allow each student to choose what organization they wanted to be Alex Fitzhugh
Class 2015 New Member Chair
Amechi Echetebu Class of 2015
stages of your D1 year can be a hectic time. Whether you’re still situating THE early yourself from the move to Memphis, adjusting to the academic expectations or finding a foothold socially, this time of transition can be intimidating. However, you will quickly find your groove like the rest of us. My first slate of memories began as I moved in with a student I’d met on facebook. We spoke twice on the phone before sharing the same roof. Around this time last year, my class started placing personalities with facebook profiles from our Class of 2015 page. Once school began, various organizations took the time to explain their function at the school and how I could interact with them to varying capacities. For example, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) offers life insurance along with other discounts on valuable dental goods and services upon paying their membership fee. I highly encourage each and every one to join the ASDA. Whether you have plans to get out in four years or continue your education through a specialty of your choice, its important to become involved in various clubs/groups because you will be the life blood of these programs in the future. This first month of school is designed to “ease” you into the program. As an upperclassman once put it, it’s the system’s method of slowly taking your life away. Right now I suggest you have fun and become well acquainted with your classmates and upperclassmen. My class gravitated to the various pools on Mud Island for afternoon pool parties where we could relax and enjoy the Memphis heat. It brought us closer together. (editor’s note: The D4 class plays sand volleyball about three times a week. Get some guys together and come play at either the Estates or the court beside the X parking lot at school). Since rush week just ended and you’ve met students from other classes in large numbers, take some time to consider which is the best fit for you. The dental fraternities spent a great deal of time, money and effort to make the rush weeks special for you. You were the VIP at all the events, you’ve made many connections, so join either Psi Omega or ZIPs. continue on next page
Overall, dental school will be a mixture of hard work and Amechi Echetebu Class of 2015
play. The harder you work, the more justified you’ll feel putting your feet up to relax. Both aspects are essential to your success so right now while you have an abundance of free time, enjoy it and make the most of it.
Keeping your head above water in each class is your most important objective in the coming weeks. The first question many of you will ask is, “How much should I study for Par Tests, when do I start studying, what should I do when I study?” The answer is to figure out what works best for you. We all require varying degrees of preparation for success on the par tests, but my general suggestion is to begin seven to eight days in advance. Some of my classmates start a little earlier and some start later. Some meet in groups and others prefer preparing on their own. I do know that waiting until the weekend before the Par test is a recipe for disaster so don’t try it. Your most challenging class will be Biochemistry, but remember that you should devote sufficient energy to all classes and subjects to remain in good academic standing. The material is not particularly difficult, but as the semester continues, the volume and relentlessness will take its toll. Form good habits now, take small bites over a longer period of time and you will be celebrating your success in December.
MY LIST OF DOʼs
MY LIST OF DO NOTʼs
STAY IN LAB THE WHOLE PERIOD
QUESTION PROFESSORS ABOUT PAR TEST QUESTIONS
It will be tempting to leave early, but I advise that you finish your work during the week instead of the weekends
JOIN A DENTAL FRATERNITY Psi-Omega or Xi Psi Phi (Z I Ps )
GET A TACKLE BOX TO ORGANIZE LAB EQUIPMENT Efficiency in the lab and understanding of all your equipment and its location is essential
Bring concerns to your President, not to the faculty ISOLATE YOURSELF There are resources all around you should you find yourself in trouble BUY CLASS TEXT BOOKS The professors do a fine job of filtering important information in their lectures, so pay attention and you can avoid most books
Due to the great PVS impression doping
Just like that, the race began. A horde of potential
scandal of 2011, it has been over two years since
future racers, aka D1’s, watched in awe as their dental heroes took off. Too shy to compete, but
our last ASDA ½ K Champion was crowned. The scene was set, and it was beautiful.
The
crisp, soul filled voice of Bob Marley (or maybe it was Snoop Lion) played to the ears of Tennessee’s Dental Nation. Abs, once abundantly chiseled, had been relieved from such tension by a beautiful symphony of cheeseburgers, Natural Light brewskies, hotdogs, and for some, Baked Lays.
embraced with friendship, they gazed on as the pack took off, running like the gazelle as it’s being chased by a hungry lion. With everyone’s eye on the prize, it was apparent that probing depth greater than 5 and subgingival margins had left the minds of the competitors. Some even ran without shoes, a clear statement of control over mother earth, and most importantly Perio.
Athletic attire was abundant; some men were scantly clad in vibrant running shorts, showing
And just like that it was over. Student D-4 doctor
their commitment to becoming a champion. But alas, only one could prevail. As D1’s through
excited, and ultimately… disqualified for he had
D4’s intermingled with elegant conversation, the start approached. Months of intense training,
shame, David’s face fell, as he watched his arch nemesis, Student D-4 Doctor Reece Cofer, strut
plus a week of Olympic gymnastic-watching had prepared even the most unlikely of athletes
across the finish line in his commemorative oral surgery externship scrub top; sweaty and soaked
for this torturous race of speed, agility, power, and most importantly, endurance.
to his powerful hairy chest. Unknowingly, Reece
David Mather crossed the finish line. Vibrant, finished with out his red solo cup. With great
became not just a champion… He became our champion.
For those of you accustom to measuring crown preparations in terms of millimeters. ½ Kilometer
→
1,640.42 Feet
1,640.42 Feet
→
19,685.04 Inches
19,685.04 Inches
→
500,000.016 Millimeters
500,000.016 mm of occlusal reduction
→
250,000.00 Crown Preparations
Amanda Hindesman Class of 2014
If I ran a talk show or radio broadcast, my good friend, Lucas Castillo would be given his own 30 second segment called ACCORDING TO LUCAS My ratings would explode and amidst uncontrollable laughter, those tuning in would feel enlightened to some degree about something they’d just heard. First and foremost, Lucas is professional and will make a fine dentist, bue he never has, nor will he ever let that get in the way of telling it like it is.
After studying motor neurons in physiology, muscles of mastication during Gross Anatomy and brain processes in Neuroanatomy, I’ve concluded that Lucas is highly developed in each of these areas. If passionate expression was an Olympic sport, he would be the only athlete to simultaneously commentate the event while smashing his own world record. Phelps would strain his back trying to pick up Lucas’s medals bag.
* frustrated that your burs fall out of their block even when the lid is closed? * curious why you’re paying 6.5% interest on your loan when the government borrows its money for less than 1% interest from the Federal Reserve? * not sure what to think about the new exhibit at the Memphis Zoo? Lucas will devour these questions in a matter of seconds. So what’s the point? Honesty, friendship and trust. School is too strenuous to traverse on your own. You will need friends like Lucas to provide comic relief when you realized the only thing you forgot was the “Super-Sep”. Get to know all your classmates as each of us posses unique personality traits and skill. Finally, if you hear Lucas criticizing this article, just ignore him.
Jeff Trembley ASDA Editor
LINK TO OUR PAGE
As you continue to discover the benefits of an ASDA Membership, be sure to visit our page by clicking the blue hyperlink above. Webmaster, Blain Reynolds has established an esthetic, informative and useful site designed to enhance your ASDA interaction.
Click here to access Blain’s article for the D-1 class. Click here to establish membership and pay your dues.
Perhaps this is not an essential aspect to a successful dental school experience, but like most organizations, we’re not above a little self promotion. Save it in your web browser and check our updates to read articles and view pictures from our ASDA sponsored events.
Blain Reynolds Web Master Class of 2014
Perception is reality. The slate is clean but it won’t be for long. You likely
The faculty at the school is top notch and in due time you will understand my
perceive yourself as an accomplished, educated and respectful individual, but
claim to be valid. There are tough days on the horizon, but that is the nature of
on campus you are unaccomplished and unproven, for now. Opinions form
your current environment. Take the early steps now to earn their trust and
quickly around here and I can not emphasize the importance of
respect and you will soon understand the fortune of abundant knowledge and
establishing yourself in a positive manner to both the faculty and
compassion of The University of T e n n e s s e e , C o l l e g e o f De n t i s t r y ’ s
upperclassmen.
Faculty.
In August and September of 2009, my class found itself stuck between a rock and a number 23 explorer. The faculty perceived us as disrespectful and immature, making our reality a steep ascent in an already difficult environment. Today, the individuals of our class have outpaced the poor reputation that once loomed above our heads. Your responsibility is not to regulate the actions of others, but to steer yourself through good habits in your pursuit of excellence. Show up on time for class, dispute test questions through your class president, listen during lecture and project yourself as a pleasant individual.
Dr. Sharp
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Dr. Sharp fabricates all the pediatric LLA and Nance appliances at the school. WARNING: He is highly skilled and with a torch. Stay on his good side.
Jeff Trembley ASDA Editor Class of 2013
This summer I had the opportunity to travel on a mission trip to Haiti. Our trip was a partnership between the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) on campus and a church from Chattanooga, TN. Obviously, as dental students we don’t have $2,000 for travel expenses to one of the poorest countries in the world. There were seven dental students who went on this trip, thanks to the scholarships from the BCM. When we first arrived in Haiti, I was immediately struck by the severe poverty that exists. Driving from the airport (with the van door wired open, of course), the streets, rivers, and even the oceans were filled with garbage. People line up and down the streets with small market stands trying to sell old motorcycle parts, used cans of oil, or whatever other products they can find to try to make a living. There is such a great need there; both physical and spiritual. Seeing all of this reminded me of what Matthew said of Jesus in Matthew 9:36. It says, "when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was filled with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’" Whether we knew it or not, we were the laborers. Such an experience helps you realize that there’s more to dental school than pharmacology and 0.5mm chamfers (which only Dr. McBride can see). We have a unique set of skills that we can use to help better the health and comfort of not only those in our surrounding community, but even to the most remote parts of the world. On August 7th and 8th we began our mouth guard ministry at Melrose High School. Every year, more than 50 dental students will work together to process and deliver custom-made mouth guards to under privileged high school football teams in the Memphis area. This is a great opportunity to use our talents to serve those in need and show love to our city.
Imagine for a moment that you have just received the news that your child has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The only hope is to uproot your family and move across the country to seek life-saving treatment for your child from the physicians at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. You have to quit your job so you can move to Memphis to support your child and your family, so financially things can be stressful to say the least. Days at the hospital are long and taxing for your child and your family, and at the end of the day you are tired and, of course, hungry. You have eaten at just about every fast food place in the city, risking the health of your child by going into a busy restaurant is out of the question, and cooking a meal for your family is the last thing you have the energy to do. You may not realize it, but the simple act of serving a meal to the families at Target House goes a long way. It is more than just a meal to these families, it relieves the burden of trying to find food on a cheap budget with limited time and energy. Most importantly however, it provides hope to these families in need and shows them that there are others out there who care about them and are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to provide support. There’s no place in the world quite like Target House. It is a multi-million dollar building that provides a completely free home away from home to the families whose children are undergoing lifesaving treatment at St. Jude. Target House provides fully furnished apartment housing to 96 families. The families who stay at Target House have children that have been undergoing treatment at St. Jude for a period of greater than three months. Target House is more than just a place to stay, it is a haven where children and families are able to connect with others going through the same difficulties.
UT ASDA is privileged to be able to support Target House and St. Jude by providing a meal to the families once a month. We serve Tellini’s Pasta Market, Central BBQ, Chick-fil-a, and even grill hamburgers and hotdogs occasionally when the weather is nice. If you have never participated in one of the Target House outreach nights, I highly encourage you to take 2 hours of your time and come to help serve these children and their families. I promise the time spent away from studying in the GEB, working in lab, or relaxing is an incredibly rewarding and eye opening experience. You will also have the opportunity to sit down with the children and interact with them while helping them during arts and crafts time. When you see a sweet child’s face light up as you help them with a craft, your dental school stress will no longer seem so bad. Space for volunteers is always limited, due to the strict rules enforced by Target House to ensure the safety of the immune compromised children. If you are interested in helping out with the next Target House outreach event please contact me early to ensure you have a spot. In addition to Target House dinners, ASDA will be hosting Give Kids A Smile activities periodically throughout the year. This is where students visit local elementary schools with under served children and teach them about the importance oral health. If you are interested in helping with the planning or implementation of new outreach projects through ASDA please contact me. SGardne8@uthsc.edu I would love to have you join our community service committee!
September 18th October 16th November 6th
You have accepted a great challenge, one designed to enlighten, enrich, mold and rewire your consciousness. Many of the necessary processes of your training will result in academic defeat and frustrating clinical simulations. At some point, you will lose your wings. Like so many of your successful predecessors, this experience will reveal your strengths and weaknesses. I suggest you collect them, analyze and comprehend the feedback, for your trials will strengthen your persistence. Persistence develops preparedness. Preparedness leads to understanding and with that you will feel the transformation. You will be a first line defense against pathology, an educator, a business person and employer. Patients will reveal their hopes and most guarded fears as you provide the highest standard of care. You will be granted trust and respect by your community. If that does not give you wings I don’t know what will. Your four year experience can not be concocted as a liquid, quantified or qualified, packaged or distributed, but if it were possible, I’d package it in this can for those inevitable moments of defeat. Your trajectory is promising, so slow down and remember why you are here. Sometimes a small sip is all you need when you feel you’ve lost your wings.
Jeff Trembley ASDA Editor Class of 2013
President............................. Adam Davis President-elect............... Will Jones Secretary............................. Jessica Lucovich Editor................................... Jeff Trembely Editor-Elect..................... Amber Owens Community Service...... Stephanie Meeks Treasurer............................Tiffany Stewart Social Chair .................... Jennifer Flanagan Lunch and learns......... Emalie Bent Vendor fair chair........ Blake bowman Web master........................ Blain Reynolds Legislative Chair........... Mariam Habib
The ASDA Officers choose to dedicate this president, Adam Davis. His friendly and not as pedestrians, but as participants with standards of our chapter. The abundance continues to invests in the ASDA is understanding of our specific duties. His continue to trickle down for years with the manual specific for each officer position. We indicates that your efforts are noticed and
edition of THE TENNESSEALANT to our organized leadership motivates us to act the intent to continuously elevate the of time and energy Adam has and apparent through his acute guidance and thankless efforts behind closed doors will implementation of an organized procedure are grateful and hope this dedication appreciated by all.