PIT&FISSURE | Spring 2019 by UTHSC ASDA

CONTENTS 4

Which classes pass the test?

Walking in Memphis: An insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide on what to do during your interview weekend

Leading the Way

Why Choose UTHSC?

Meet the Faculty

Save the Date!

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The

Mountain Ahead

WHAT LIES BEFORE YOU is no small feat. You’ve no doubt spent hours studying for that Organic Chemistry test, prepping for your DAT, and wearing yourself thin in the research lab. All that work, just for the chance to be considered for admission to dental school. But here is where the test of perseverance comes. Here is where you will be pushed beyond what you think is possible. Just like a tough hike, the challenge presents when you think you have nearly reached the top. z But here is where you will also find the reward and the satisfaction. This is what you want to do, where you passion lies, and this is the place to pursue that. Here is where you will see the view from the top and quench your insatiable thirst for

Allison Poget, ‘21 Chapter Editor-in-Chief

knowledge. The following pages will equip you with some useful tools for your journey. Enjoy this issue of the PIT&FISSURE, and together, let’s continue to climb.

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Which classes pass the test? A deeper look into the classes which prepared me the most for dental school When I speak with pre-dental undergraduate students, many times I am bombarded by the same questions, “Are my GPA and DAT score good enough for dental school? How many shadowing hours are needed to be competitive and show that I want to pursue dentistry? What college courses would you recommend that I take to be better prepared for dental school?” And honestly, I know that I also asked these questions of my predecessors.

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The reality is that dental school can be tough. Countless hours of studying for anatomy, biochemistry, and dental morphology on top of lab work that needs to be completed can be extremely daunting and exhausting. However, with a good foundation, dental school can be much less stressful. So, let’s tackle the last question: which college courses can make dental school just a little more bearable?

The most challenging yet rewarding is one thing. Using a scalpel and an undergraduate class I took was biochemistry. actual, recently living person is an entirely While many dental schools recommend different matter.” Personally, the biggest feat biochemistry, it is not a prerequisite at all was learning how to properly dissect the institutions. However, if you have a chance to cadaver in an effort to identify the particular take biochemistry, I highly recommend it! By structure I was trying to find. All in all, due to being exposed to this material prior to dental the fast-paced structure of anatomy in dental school, I had an advantage to many of my school, previous exposure can be a huge classmates. I didn’t have to study as hard as advantage! some of my classmates because I The final class I am grateful to have had seen the material previously. taken was art history. Plus, my undergraduate Granted, it wasn’t the most Chelsea’s List of professor was extremely tough, difficult class that I have ever making dental biochemistry a taken by far. Yet, it instilled Must-Take breeze. This is also an important some qualities in me that I have Courses: point: Don’t take the easy teacher! found beneficial in dental - Biochemistry Take the teacher who will best school. Art history showed me prepare you. Biochemistry is also - Anatomy to look at things from a a section for Part I of the National different perspective. My Art History Boards, so the more exposure professor would always ask us you have to it, the better! to describe how the portrait Another class that made us feel, and it was very I always recommend to interesting to see how it made pre-dental students is different people feel certain ways. It was anatomy. Regardless of how extensive the almost as if no one had the exact same undergrad course load is, it’s way better to have emotion tied to the artwork. The transition some form of exposure to the material from classroom to clinic has reminded me of compared to nothing at all, and if you are one of this time and time again. In order to be the lucky students, your undergrad anatomy successful in clinic and ultimately in the department has access to a cadaver laboratory. healthcare field, you have to be able to read As stated by Eastern Mennonite University, your patients. You need to understand that two “Studying human anatomy with colorful charts patients in the exact same scenario will almost

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never react the same way. Art history also harder before dental school, you will have less taught me to pay attention to detail, which is stress while in school because you will have also extremely important in dentistry. In already had some exposure to the material. In today’s society, everyone wants an esthetic saying that, know that it’s also fine to take smile. Thus, it’s easy to see that the ability to some easier, less stressful classes. Classes pay attention to minute details can make or like art, public speaking, and ethics typically break a dental practice. aren’t the source of stress for pre-dental Even though dental school students. However, each can offer is tough, I think that preparation benefits to being successful not in advance can make it much only in dental school but also in easier to tackle. Previous life after dental school. exposure to subject material In the words of Dr. Steve can be incredibly beneficial if Maraboli, “Do the best you can you can make time in your with what you can, while you can, undergrad schedule. By pushing and success is inevitable.” yourself just a little Chelsea Schwind, ’22 Chapter Secretary

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Photo Credit: Morgan Rebeck, ‘19 Memphis Sunset

Walking in Memphis An insider’s guide on what to do during you interview weekend Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a mecca for food, music, and art. While you may have heard a thing or two about Memphis, you may have to dig a little deeper to experience what consistently brings people here. With dental interviews taking place during the summer and fall season, there is no better time to explore what Memphis has to offer. Let’s take a walk through Memphis as these are the top 5 things you need to do:

John Wilson, ‘20 Chapter Gold Crown Awards Chair

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1. Sun Studio

2. Graceland

Photo Credit: David Jones There are many places in Memphis that catch your eye due to size or extravagance, but the most legendary recording studio in the world lies unsuspectingly on a small street corner. Known as the “The Birthplace of Rock’N’Roll,” Sun Studio hosted the discovery of the greatest musical legends, like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. At the studio, they say “If music was a religion, then Memphis would be Jerusalem, and Sun Studio its most holy shrine.”

Photo Credit: Joseph Novak In my experience traveling, not everyone will know about Memphis; however, if you tell them “Graceland,” they suddenly know exactly where you are talking about – the home of Elvis Presley. Stepping inside Elvis’ mansion feels like an amusement park as it is as captivating as his music. No matter your dedication to “The King,” a visit to Memphis is not complete without experiencing Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

3. Memphis Zoo The Memphis Zoo is an absolute must visit if you find yourself in good weather while you’re here for your interview. October is one of the best times of the year as most of the attractions will be open, and the zoo comes to life at night with Halloween around the corner. Most importantly, the Memphis Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world to house not one, but TWO giant pandas. Need I say more?

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4. National Civil Rights Museum

5. Memphis Pyramid

If you’re looking for a compelling, educational experience, look no further than the National Civil Rights Museum. It maps out the historic milestones of the civil rights movement, and features the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Memphis played an important role during this movement, and this museum will guide you through some of the most divisive centuries in American history. With the recent renovations, the museum offers one of the most memorable experiences that will resonate with you way beyond your time in Memphis.

The Memphis Pyramid, which used to be home to the Memphis Grizzlies, has now transformed into the largest Bass Pro Shop in the nation. You may not be an outdoorsy person, but this is a site to see as it is also deemed the largest pyramid in the United States. It is not your ordinary fishing store, as you can head up the world’s tallest freestanding elevator to the best view of the Mississippi River.

There are so many things to do in Memphis that one cannot possibly squeeze in everything that this great city has to offer in a weekend. While these destinations can keep you entertained during the day, the city truly comes to life at night. My top 5 destinations for the late-night adventures would include Beale Street, Loflin Yard, Railgarten, Lafayette’s, and the Peabody rooftop. If you get hungry along the way, be sure to check out Jerry’s Sno Cones, Rendezvous, Hog & Hominy, Gus’s Fried Chicken, and Brother Juniper’s. Photo Credit: Allison Poget, ‘21

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Leading the Way For anyone with much knowledge about dental school, what I am about to say is going to be the most obvious statement you have read in a long time – dental school is a LOT of hard work. Crammed in to four long years are courses such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, pathology, and of course, loads and loads of dentistry. Undoubtedly, the hard work and sleepless nights of dental school serve to fully prepare us to be great clinicians upon graduation. If you were to ask a handful of newly graduated dentists, few would question whether or not school prepared them to be able to place a successful restoration, make a great set of dentures, or adequately perform endodontic therapy. The problem, though, is that being a successful dentist is much more than being an excellent clinician. The day you walk across that stage and are handed the coveted diploma, you are stepping into a position of high regard and esteem in the community. You are becoming much more than simply a name with “DDS” attached to it, but you are becoming a person people look to for advice and solutions to problems. You are becoming a leader, and while the school curriculum prepares you for all sorts of wonderful things, it does not prepare you to be a leader.

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school curriculum prepares you for all sorts of wonderful things, it does not prepare you to be a leader. It is our individual responsibility while in school to go above and beyond to obtain the knowledge and experience needed to prepare us to be great leaders, and for this very reason, I decided to hold a leadership position while in dental school. Let me be up front right out of the gate, there is no doubt that holding any type of position in school adds loads of stress you would not have otherwise. As class president, I am asked quite often whether or not I regret my decision to run for office. People see the stresses that come with being in my position and think, “Wow, is it really worth it?” My answer is simple—while I may have given up a lot of time and energy in my role as class president, trust me, I have gained far more than I have given up. The experiences I have had, the knowledge I have gained, and the people I have been able to work for and with make all of the struggles worthwhile. I encourage any who may currently be in dental school or hope to be in the future, do not wait around expecting to see a course pop up one semester called “Fundamentals of Leadership.” Unfortunately, it’s just not going to happen. On the other hand, you can expect a community and staff looking to you for guidance the second you step in to your role as a dentist. Be prepared to meet and exceed those expectations by training now to be more than a quality clinician, but a quality leader. Gain the experience while you are still in school, run for that office in an organization, because there is no better way to prepare yourself for being a leader in your office and in the community than Heath Phillips, ‘21 being a leader in your school. D2 Class President

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Why Choose UTHSC?

You’ve decided you want to go to dental school-now you have to decide where! Take into consideration the UTHSC College of Dentistry. Memphis, Tennessee is not only the Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock and Roll but the home to the oldest dental college in the South as well! In fact, the word “Memphis” means established and beautiful, which is an apt description of the UTHSC College of Dentistry. UTHSC is the whole package; from the faculty involvement, clinical experience, and the school’s location, your dental school experience will be top notch!

From the interview day, first day of classes, and laboratory sessions, you are able to interact with your dental school faculty. The faculty at UT are generous with their time and knowledge and do a wonderful job imparting valuable “tips and tricks” to you. The faculty is with you from the start of your dental career and once you begin the transition to clinic, the same faculty who has invested in your skills is with you as you start working with patients. The hospitality and warmth that radiates at UTHSC is unmatched!

The College of Dentistry makes the transition into dental school an enjoyable experience. The first several weeks of school are filled with social events and

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Photo Credit: Emily Arnoult, ‘22 D1 Girls on Scrub Day

Why Choose UTHSC?

extracurricular club meetings, quickly bonding you with your classmates and the upperclassmen! This is the foundation for your support system throughout dental school—you will be so grateful for this in the years to come! UTHSC aspires to create “clinically excellent” dentists, and it is important to build your repertoire of skills. Students at UTHSC are able to spend time in the clinic as early as the Spring of D1 year. Clinic exposure continues in years 3 and 4 where the majority of your time is spent in the clinic—working with faculty and patients. As a bonus to the wonderful qualities of UTHSC itself, I quickly fell in love with my new city of residence— Memphis, TN! Right along the Mississippi River, the “Bluff City” is ever-growing and vibrant as ever! Memphis is known for many things: BBQ, the Blues, and Elvis Presley, but if these aren’t your favorite thing, the 901 has a plethora of things to do. UTHSC College of Dentistry is a superb place to receive your dental education. I firmly believe graduates of UTHSC become wonderful clinicians, Anne Marie Currie, ‘22 professors, and volunteers in the dental Chapter Lunch And Learn Coordinator community!

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MEET THE Photo Credit: Dr. Robert Hatch AAWD Annual Wine & Cheese Event

Dr. Robert Hatch Assistant Professor

Dr. Sue E. Langham Dr. Yanhui Zhang

Assistant Professor

Associate Professor

Dr. Daranee Versluis-Tantbirojn Director of Biomaterials, Professor

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FACULTY Dr. Wanda ClaroWoodruff

Dr. Ayman A. Al Dayeh

Associate Professor, Orthodontics

Assistant Professor, Orthodontics

Dayna D. Myers Assistant Professor, Dental Hygiene

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! e t a D e h t e v a S

PRE-DENTAL DAY 2019

APRIL 27 Check out our website for registration and itinerary information! https://www.uthscasda.com/predental-sub 16 | SPRING 2019

Allison Poget, ‘21 Chapter Editor-in-Chief

Lance Myers, ‘22 Chapter Editor Elect

MEET THE UTHSC ASDA

Editorial Board Chelsea Schwind, ‘20 Chapter Secretary

Kaiti Walker, ’21 Editorial Board

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The

BITEWING Trail Mix This quick recipe packs a lot of crunch with salty and sweet treats! Perfect for a snack when you’re on-the-go! WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 2 cups of raisins • 2 cups of peanuts • 2 cups of M&Ms • 1 cup of sunflower seeds (shelled) Mix it all together and enjoy! TRAIL MIX IT UP: Chapter Editor-in-Chief - Add dried pineapple, cranberries, or mango - Put it in a Mason Jar and tie a ribbon Allison Poget, ‘21

Photo & Recipe Credit: Simple Easy Creative by: Hoosier Homemade

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THANK YOU TO

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