On the first Wednesday of each month, the BU ASDA Predental Committee spotlights different dental students from each class year to share their "wisdom" on getting into dental school and their experiences at Boston University! Below are past student profiles that were featured on our Wisdom Tooth Wednesday page!

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NOVEMBER 2016

Jessica Collins
Year in dental school: DMD 2
Hometown: Fairhaven, MA

 How did you prepare for the DAT?
I took an in person Kaplan DAT course. Many people give mixed reviews about the class but I had a really positive experience. My instructor was really helpful and having this class twice a week really forced me to stick to a study schedule.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
I didn't take any gap years. I applied and took the DAT the summer before senior year and began dental school in the fall following graduation.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
Before starting dental school I worked as an orthodontic assistant during summers and school breaks. During the school year, I worked as a stage manager and played on the club softball team. I also volunteered as a coach for a youth softball team.

Did you do any research?
I did not participate is any research during my undergrad years. However, I am involved in research here at BU.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
My interview at BU was by far the most relaxed interview I had. It was a one on one and was very casual and surprisingly enjoyable. My interviewer had taken the time to review my application and personal statement so we had plenty to talk about. We actually talked very little about dentistry and focused on the other aspects of my application.
 
How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
So far I have really loved my experience at BU! I don't feel like it is a tense or competitive environment. Everyone in my class is very willing to help each other out. Before every exam, several people will post study guides or helpful videos and tips on the Facebook page. During simulation lab it is very common to see students working together and just helping each other. Being in a school like this really makes it easier to deal with the stress of being in dental school.

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Rafaella Sampaio
Year in dental school: DMD 3
Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Why dentistry?
Because I wanted to work in the medical field without the demands of a physicians commitment and lifestyle. I wanted to own my own practice, have flexible hours and while being an educated and respected member of my community.

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I used DAT destroyer for the sciences and Crack the DAT.
 
Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
I took 2 years off = worked at a periodontal office as a dental assistant

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
In undergrad, I worked in three different jobs (I paid my way through school) and was also involved in many clubs such as Sigmma Lambda Gamma sorority, Pre-dental Society, BioSci club, tutored for many Biology and Kinesiology courses, etc.

Did you do any research?
I did research one semester but hated it so never again.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
It was very easy going! By far the most laid back and enjoyable interview I had.

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I’ve always been artsy (I paint, draw, sculpt) so I started off pretty well however I’ve still had to work on it since dentistry requires precise, small movements.

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
I worked at the periodontal office and I shadowed a couple oral surgeons.

Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition?
No. Moved from Framingham to Boston but it was a very small change so not much adjustment required. I think the most helpful tip is to keep an open mind and explore are much as you can in Boston.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
Don’t be discouraged. Many of my classmates applied many times and weren’t accepted initially. They keep working on their resume, many did a masters program and eventually with perseverance got in.

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
I think overall, it has been great. There has certainly been stressful movements but I have never questioned my decision. I think BU provides you with a well scheduled program that allows you to learn as much as possible while still being sane (no block schedules!!).

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Alicia Tavares 
Year in dental school: DMD 3 
Hometown: Seekonk, MA

 Why dentistry?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field because I love the sciences and working with people. Dentistry stood out to me for a number of reasons, one being that the work hours would allow me to still have time to raise a family and have a life away from work, which often times is difficult with the crazy schedules taken on by medical doctors.  I also love working with my hands and enjoy being able to have the instant gratification after treating most patients, depending on what procedure is being performed.  Dentistry also requires a lot of continuing education because technology and procedures are always changing, and I have always had a passion for learning and staying current with new information as it becomes available. 

How did you prepare for the DAT?
 I used the DAT destroyer, which was really helpful for the organic chemistry, general chemistry, and math portion of the DAT.  I also used Kaplan’s blue DAT book, which was helpful overall, as well as Barron’s DAT book, which was really good for the PAT section, even though it had a few errors.  For areas I needed more review for, I also just used my notes and books from my organic, general chemistry, and biology classes. The key is to do as many timed, full length exams as you can in order to be prepared for focusing for that long.  I have some friends who took a class to help keep them on track, but I found that I could make my own schedule for studying and I did fine. 

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
I decided to take a gap year because I wasn’t sure which medical profession I wanted to pursue until halfway through my junior year of college.  I could have rushed to try and get everything ready in order to apply to dental school that summer, but I felt that it made more sense to take the year off and use that time to build my resume and make myself a stronger applicant.  During this extra year I was able to build stronger bonds with faculty in order to get better letters of recommendation and I also volunteered more and had more time to shadow my family dentist to make sure this is the career I really wanted.  For the most part, I worked full time during my year off in order to save money to put towards school.  I also found that it was advantageous to take the year off because then when I was going for interviews for dental school, I had time to prepare for them and I didn’t have to worry about also studying for classes my senior year of undergrad or missing classes. I also used the time to enjoy myself because dental school is a lot of work and once it starts you don’t get many breaks and after a hard four years of undergrad it was nice to be able to relax and recharge myself for dental school.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
I commuted from my undergrad so I was able to have two jobs while I went to school, and at one point I had three because I was a TA for comparative anatomy at school.  I worked at Honey Dew Donuts on the weekends and at a music studio during the week teaching singing and piano.  In school I was also involved in the Pep Band and the Jazz band, where I played the saxophone, as well as the Funk Ensemble, where I was the lead singer.  I was a member of my undergrad’s pre-dental society as well, and we were involved in many different community outreach programs where we worked with local children and educated them about the importance of good oral health.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
The interview at BU is very relaxed and personal.  The faculty who carry out the interviews are amazing and genuinely want to get to know you as a person.  They already know that you are qualified on paper to attend their school, and they are just trying to see if you would be a good fit for the school.  When I had my interview, my interviewer had light jazz music on in the background as I walked into his office because he knew I liked jazz and thought it would help lighten the mood.  He just asked me about my family and interests, and we ended up just having a nice conversation that felt very natural and comfortable.  He didn’t even ask me about dentistry because he knew that I wouldn’t be there if I wasn’t serious about it. Overall it was one of the best interview experiences I had, which strongly influenced my decision in choosing BU.

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I’ve been playing piano since I was six, so my manual dexterity has always been improving as I practice.  I also love cross-stitching, which helped me improve my fine motor skills.

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
I shadowed my family dentist for a couple of years before applying to dental schools and I found it really helpful to see what the average day of a dentist was like to help me decide if this was the life I wanted for myself.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
The earlier you apply, the better your chances are of getting an interview.  You also should be working now to develop good relationships with faculty so that they can write you good letters of recommendation, and also give them enough time so that they aren’t rushed when they are writing it.  Also, take writing your personal statement seriously and have as many people as you can look over it.  This is an important part of the application and you should take advantage of it to show schools who you really are and why you want to pursue a career in dentistry.

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
My experience so far at BU has been great.  Yes, it has been a lot of work, but the people are amazing and everyone helps each other out so that we all make it through.  My class organized a Facebook group and we are constantly posting studying guides and other helpful resources.  I love the family atmosphere here, and the faculty is great.  

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Diala Chahine
Year in dental school: DMD 3
Hometown: Lincoln, RI

Why dentistry?
I first chose dentistry because I loved going to the dental office as a child and always felt so comfortable when I was there. As I learned more about the dental field through shadowing, I found out that dentistry isn’t just a science but even more so an art. There’s so much dexterity required in order to perfect the intricate details. As well, the mouth is the gateway for the rest of your body. By being a dentist you can see the first signs of diseases and prevent infections from occurring.  Your oral health plays an imperative role in your bodily health and knowing that I can make a large difference in another person’s life made me love dentistry that much more.

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I made a schedule for myself so I stayed on track. First, I read through the Kaplan Book. I did DAT Destroyer and Crack the PAT. I did as many practice exams that I could get a hold of as well. Make sure you do practice exams to time yourself and see what type of questions they may ask.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
No, I went from Providence College straight to dental school.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
Yes, I kept very busy throughout my four years in undergrad. I volunteered at a local hospital, daycare center, Best Buddies, and tutored underprivileged high school students. In addition, I was president of the Pre-Dental Society, founded the Middle Eastern Society, and was on Outreach Committee for the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs. For work, I was a TA for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry and worked at my dad’s gas station.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
BU was the most laid-back interview I’ve ever had. It didn’t even feel like an interview and was more of a conversation between two people. It is different at other dental schools, however, they will ask actual interview questions so be prepared for each school you may interview at.

​How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I’ve always loved art so when I have time I draw and paint. I took a ceramics and piano class in undergrad to improve my dexterity too.

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
Yes and I would highly recommend shadowing before applying to dental school. You want to make sure that dentistry is what you want to do for the rest of your life and the best way to know that is to shadow. Also, shadow more than one dentist if you can because each dentist and each practice will be different. Don’t be shy to ask your dentist or get in touch with dentists in the area.

Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition?
Yes but RI is only an hour from Boston so it’s very easy to go home and see my family if I need to by taking the MBTA, which is really nice. The city of Boston is amazing and there are so many fun things to do when you need a break from school.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
My advice would be to never give up on your dream. There will be times when you’re going to be very stressed and discouraged and we all went through it. You may even be denied the first or second time you apply but you will eventually get in if you find what your application is lacking and improve upon it. There are many people who have been in your shoes and they are dentists living their dreams right now. Also, each school is looking for something different than another school may be looking for. For instance, one school may love students who are very involved in volunteering while another may weigh the DAT very highly. Lastly, undergrad is the last time in your life when you can choose your own classes so I recommend taking courses that you will not get the chance to take in dental school.

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
I love BU and am so happy that I chose to come to this school. Every person you meet, from the students, to the faculty, to the dean is so welcoming and personable. It really feels like a family here. As well there are many perks to going to BU. A few are that you begin working in the simulation lab within the first month of school, have the chance to take boards after the first year, the APEX program the summer of first year, working with new CAD/CAM technology, options to do research, and the 10-week externship and the 2-week elective programs (in various countries like China and Guatemala) you can do in the fourth year. 

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OCTOBER 2016

Oleksandr Fedorenko
Year in dental school: DMD 1
Hometown: Smila, Ukraine

Why dentistry?
Love to make something with my hands and interact with people. Both of these characteristic are present in dental practice. Also, love the fact that I'm gonna be my own BOSS for the rest of my life and that nobody will make crucial business decisions except of myself and tell me what to do. 

How did you prepare for the DAT? 
First of all- studied hard in Undergrad. I tried to go over stuff at least two-three times before every exam and DAT as well. Repetition of the material works every time and for everybody. The most helpful thing that I found was a proper guide. Here is the link to ADA DAT Study Guide 2016 that I used: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/dat_examinee_guide.ashx. This guide clarified some details of what exactly gonna be on DAT that i felt like none of the third party companies and prep software mentioned. I spend most of my time studying the material that i felt like I have to improve. For example, i never studied probability and statistics, so I would watch YouTube videos and lectures dedicated to this topics. It is time consuming, but worth the result. For Biology and Chemistry I would pick the topic from the Guide and find a wikipedia page related to the topic because it's reliable and short in general. For Quantitive reasoning I did all of the problems in DAT Destroyer, but i feel like the real DAT is much easier, so I wouldn't stress out if you do a lot of them wrong, just keep practicing to develop logic and reasoning behind the math. For GenChem and Orgo I used DAT Destroyer as well and I think they are great resource! Also, I used Columbia Review High-Yield General Chemistry  and Columbia Review Organic Chemistry books for theory and feel like they helped. For the PAT section I used DAT Bootcamp http://datbootcamp.com/ software, and I can tell that there is nothing better in the market right now. Hope that was helpful!

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
No, I didn't have any gap years, so I can't tell you about that, but I feel like Oral Health Masters Programs works the best for GPA improvements and it keeps you in academic environment which is beneficial.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
I was a full time student, but I would constantly volunteer in community outreaches in School, activities with Predental society, summer camps for kids in church etc. 

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
Oh, interview was awesome! It was the best experience ever, and i mean it! It was one on one with Periodontology professor, very intelligent lady, calm, peaceful, relaxed. She asked me about my background, shared with me about some clinical situation with third year student and ask my opinion how I would react. In general I think she was talking more then I did :)

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I took a drawing class during winter break and I can say it was the best class ever! I discovered that I can draw and create. Also, when I was in Middle school I participated in clay crafting after school activity and played a lot with play doh.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
Pursue your happiness no matter how hard and impossible it might looks like! I thought it was impossible too, but I prayer and worked hard for this to happen. Hard work and time management can do miracles, and I'm one of them!

 How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
I love it! Since Orientation everything is going very smoothly and just flowes. There is no better curriculum then this, and I mean it. Exams are spread out, hands-on practice at Stimulation Learning Center are every week from the beginning of the semester, and faculty members are always there to help and correct you. 

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Vinutha Rattehalli​
Year in dental school: DMD 2
Hometown: Tampa, FL

Why dentistry?
Coming from a family filled with physicians, I always assumed I would pursue a career in medicine; however, in high school I couldn’t picture this anymore. My father suggested I shadow our family dentist, as I still wanted to work in healthcare but have also had a lifelong love of art, this was the perfect field to combine the two!

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I did not take a prep course but used the DAT Destroyer, Crack the DAT, Barron’s book, and Chad’s videos to review for the exam.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
While I intended to start dental school right after undergrad, due to personal reasons, I deferred my acceptance. During this gap, took master’s courses in subjects like immunology and physiology. I also pursued my passion for business and fashion, and took some courses on those topics, as well.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
I worked at The Princeton Review as a Campus Ambassador, which was basically a marketing job. I also worked at my father’s medical practice during school holidays. I volunteered at two different medical centers, a homeless shelter, and my temple, frequently. I was also very involved in the Pre-Dental Society at my undergrad. Apart from this, I practiced Mixed Martial Arts for many years.

Did you do any research?
 I conducted “Drug Discovery” research for a year in the Chemistry Department of my undergrad, which helped me realize research isn’t really for me!

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
My interview at BU was much more of a conversation than an interview. It was about who I was as a person, as opposed to just my grades or DAT scores. My interviewer and I spoke about travel, family, and art. I felt very welcome and at ease during the whole interview day!

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I draw and paint regularly!

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
Yes, I shadowed my family dentist during summer vacations and also an endodontist, prior to applying to dental school.

Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition? Yes, I moved all the way up the East Coast from a suburban Florida town to the hustle and bustle (to me!) of Boston! My older sister actually attended BU undergrad and we have some family up here, so thankfully, I had friends and family looking out for me and had actually spent some time up here prior to moving.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
Work hard and learn as much about this field as you can before applying, but also know that it’s important to be true to yourself. Don’t forgo your hobbies or passions in order to pursue something that you think will look good on an application but you don’t actually enjoy! Being well rounded is just as important as a stellar GPA in my opinion.

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
While dental school is hectic and stressful, due to the camaraderie at BU and the friends I’ve made here, it’s much easier to deal with. I’ve also created bonds with some faculty that I know will support me during my years here and hopefully, long after I graduate. 

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SHAWN JONES
YEAR IN DENTAL SCHOOL: DMD 3
HOMETOWN: ST. GEORGE, Utah

Why dentistry?
 I wanted a profession where I could help people every day.  Dentistry is the type of profession where you can change a person’s outlook on life and increase their self esteem in just a few hours.  I also wanted to become a dentist because the oral cavity is the gateway to the rest of the body.  I want to help people truly understand and believe that their oral health is imperative to their overall health.

How did you prepare for the DAT?
 I used Kaplan books and Crack the DAT.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
No

 Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
 I worked in an operating room as a surgical technician.  I also volunteered distributing fluoride at elementary schools.  We would go to the schools once a week and do two-minute fluoride rinses with the children who were signed up for it.  I also shadowed at a dental office about 5 hours each week.

Did you do any research?
No  

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
I loved my interview at BU.  I loved that there were only about 10 of us in the group!  I also got to talk to one of the faculty (Dr. Dunham) before the other interviewees showed up.  I was so grateful for how inviting and friendly he was.  I also loved how close the students were that talked with us.  They were really good friends and I could tell that BU helped cultivate that.  

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I grew up playing the trumpet and working on cars.  Those two things helped me develop good hand while I was growing up.  Then working in an operating room helped me develop them further. 

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
I shadowed more than 150 hours before coming to dental school.  I loved going to the office where I was shadowing, so I spent as much time as I could there.  The doctor in that office was a great teacher and mentor.  He taught me the steps and importance of many procedures so that when I got to school I was prepared for first year.
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Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition?
Yes, I move across the country to come to dental school.  The thing that helped me most was the love and support of my wife.  She continues to support me as a work hard in school.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?   
I would do as many things dental related to see if you truly love the profession.  I would shadow different office and/or go to simulation courses.  If you know that it is the profession for you before you get to school, you will love it even more.

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
I love attending BU.  It is a very tough school but they give you one of the best educations you can find.  I love the emphasis on digital dentistry and the constant exposure to cutting edge technology and techniques.  

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Alyssa Mazzoli
Year in dental school: DMD 4
Hometown: Miami, FL

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I used the DAT Destroyer and the Kaplan DAT book. I never took any prep courses because I’m more of a self studier. But I hear now there are amazing YouTube channels that pre-dents are using to prepare for the exams.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
I didn’t get into dental school my first time applying. The one thing I was lacking was research experience. So I worked in a Marine Biology Research lab doing research in Ecology.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
I was huge on volunteering. Most of my resume is filled with volunteer work. I did hold an executive position in my pre-dental chapter, which shows leadership but don’t think you have to be part a dental related club. Leadership in any club that you are passionate about is just as worthwhile. I did also have a part time job at my University.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
It is such a laid back interview. They just want to get a scope of who you are as a person, see if you can hold a conversation. If there is something you are passionate about, that isn’t dentistry related, talk about it. I probably talked for a good 15 minutes about banjos during mine.

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
At BU we are lucky to be able to get into the SLC and practice dentistry on manikins our first semester of dental school. By being in their every week, there is plenty of time to practice our hand skills. By second year after getting the basics down, we can fine tune our skills. 

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
I had over 120 hours of shadowing/assisting. It is definitely an important part of the application process. How are you going to support your decision to become a dentist—especially at interview day—if you haven’t had any exposure to the field?

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
Think of the application process as a checkbox. You want to be a well rounded student that can check off as many things as possible: Club involvement, leadership position, competitive DAT score, research experience, competitive G.P.A., shadowing experience, volunteering,  extracurricular activities/hobbies like intramural sports, work, etc.

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sEPTEMBER 2016

Lindsey Janof
Year in dental school: DMD 2
Hometown: Trumbull, CT

Why dentistry?
I always knew I wanted to go into medicine, and throughout my time in school I loved using my hands, especially in my art classes. I also grew up with family members who were dentists, which made my love for dentistry grow even more.

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I prepared for the DAT by using several different programs. The first, which I found the most effective, was DAT Bootcamp. Other materials I used were Barron's DAT and Kaplan DAT books.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
I did not take any gap years. I entered my first year of dental school right after my graduation from UMass Amherst.
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Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
Before dental school, I worked at my undergraduate arena where they held all of the hockey games, and basketball games, to name a few. I was also part of my school's Pre-Dental Society, Biochemistry Club, and Lion's Club. Lastly, in my final year of undergraduate I was a teaching assistant for a Histology course.

Did you do any research?
I did not do any research in undergrad. However in dental school, I have been involved in research. Specifically on oral cancer in the Molecular and Cell Biology Department.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
I would say my interview at BU was just like a normal conversation between two people trying to get to know each other. BU wants to get to know you as a person beyond your application, while you as a potential student are trying to figure out if this is the right institution for you. My interviewer and I talked about our favorite movies and hobbies we liked to participate in outside of the school.
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Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped the transition?
I did move to a new city for dental school. Although my undergraduate was located in Massachusetts, Boston was entirely new to me. Easing my way into a new city was definitely difficult at first. But, I was lucky enough to have my family living in New England and many of my undergraduate friends pursuing their careers in Boston as well. This made my transition into a new city easier.

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
I would say that my experience at BU is everything I expected and more. The faculty and students here are so open and welcoming, and as cliché as it sounds, like one big happy family. Overall, I feel lucky to be at an institution that encourages and supports you in your dental and personal endeavors.

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Scott Jegard
Year in dental school: DMD 3
Hometown: Calgary, AB, Canada

Why dentistry?
I chose dentistry because I wanted a career where I was working with my hand and working with people. I did not just want a job where I was sitting at a computer all day pushing buttons on a keyboard. I wanted a career where I know at the end of the day I impacted someone (hopefully) in a positive way.

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I prepared for the DAT using the Kaplan Blue Book and my own notes from the university courses I have taken.

Did you take any gap years, and if so what did you do during that time?
No, I did not take any gap years, I went to dental school straight from undergrad

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
During undergrad I worked at my local golf course, my church and a furniture company to help pay for my education. I also volunteered at my church in our Children’s Ministries area on the weekends. I was also enjoyed a variety of team and individual sports when I had time.

Did you do any research?
No, I did not do any research because it did not interest me personally.

What would you say your interview was like at BU?
My interview day at BU was very exciting and I overall had a positive experience! The dental students that took us on a tour of the facilities and talked with us during lunch were all very nice and informative. The interview itself was very relaxed and felt like a normal conversation where the interviewer was interested in getting to know me as a person and getting to know my background.

How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I have grown up using tools and to fix things and build things around my house and I would say that has helped improve my manual dexterity.

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
Yes, I asked my personal dentist if I could shadow her because I was interested in applying to dental school and she was happy to have me shadow. This allowed me to solidify my desire to go to dental school and it got me excited for a future in dentistry.

Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition?
Yes I moved to a new city and what helped the most during this transition was staying in close contact with my close friends and family back home via skype or messaging. These people are my support system and I was glad to have them come along my dental school journey with me even though they are very far away. Also, remembering to SMILE everyday!

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
The advice I would give to applicants that for your extracurricular activities make sure you do something that interests you! If that is working somewhere you like then do that, if it is doing a sport you like then do it, if it is volunteering somewhere that is meaningful to you then do it, if it is research then do it! Don’t do something just because it looks good on paper for your application. Do stuff that you are passionate about because when you have to write about it and talk about it for you application and interview then the school will see that you are genuine. It may help you stand out above the rest!

How would you describe your dental school experience at BU so far?
My dental school experience has been a whirl wind experience so far, coming to a new environment, keeping up with classes, meeting new people and making new friends! It been a journey, but it’s been lots of fun!

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Mcallister Castelaz
​Year in school: DMD 4
Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Why dentistry?
When I began my undergrad education, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. I was initially drawn to the health care profession because of my desire to help people. I grew up in an environment that encouraged me to be active in the community and do I could to improve the lives of others. It wasn't until the beginning of my junior year that I discovered that dentistry would be the perfect career to fulfill my desire to care for the underserved in my community. 

How did you prepare for the DAT?
To prepare for the DAT I took an online preparation course with Kaplan as well as did practice questions from the DAT Destroyer. Doing the practice questions helped me get into the mindset for multiple choice exams. Kaplan was helpful for test taking strategies as well as review of the necessary material.

Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
For three of my four years in undergrad, I worked as a resident assistant (RA) living in our sophomore residence halls. The experience was really beneficial both personally and professionally. I improved leadership skills, met people from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, and made some of my closest friends from undergrad.

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
I spent 20+ hours shadowing at my family dentist's practice prior to dental school. During that time I had the opportunity to see what it the day to day like is in a private practice of a general practitioner. 

Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition?
Moving from a quiet suburban midwestern city to Boston was definitely a dramatic change. As a naturally shy person, moving to a new city where I knew next to no one was a little over-whelming. However once I started school, I immediately got involved with ASDA and have loved my experience with our chapter thus far! ASDA help me get to know so many of my classmates, find mentors in faculty and upperclassmen, and provided a wonderful introduction to the world of organized dentistry and all it can offer personally and professionally.

What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of spending your undergrad doing things that interest you! I spent a year volunteering at Cleveland Museum of Natural History caring for the live animals. For a year and a half I was a part of a research group involving a long term study on risk factors related to colon cancer. 

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Dave Lane
Year in dental school: DMD 4 
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA

Why dentistry?
I chose dentistry because my hometown dentist was a great mentor. Once he learned I was interested in dentistry, he helped me explore what was involved in the profession to see if I could see myself going forward with it.

How did you prepare for the DAT?
I took an online Kaplan course that was extremely useful, especially for the PAT. I also made a logbook. I would record every hour that I studied so that I could hold myself accountable for weeks that I was cheating out of time. The logbook was extremely useful because it helped me compare my progress week to week.
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Did you work, volunteer, or do any extracurricular activities before dental school?
I graduated in December, so I had one semester off in which I got to travel to Africa. I'm extremely thankful for being able to go on that trip, because I haven't been able to plan too many big trips like that throughout dental school.

I worked at the Center for Disease Control throughout undergrad summers. I volunteered in my honor organization, Golden Key, of which I assumed various positions throughout my undergrad career. I was also executive officer of the UGA Rowing Team, which was the most involved extracurricular activity I had.

Did you do any research?
Between working at the Center for Disease Control and undergraduate research in the Genetics and Biochemistry department at University of Georgia, I had several thousand hours of research. I'm still convinced this is how I convinced BU to let me in! But they never pressured me to continue research at BU.
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What would you say your interview was like at BU?
There were a few interviews I went to that were much more relaxed and comfortable than others. BU was at the top of that list.
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How did you improve your manual dexterity?
I didn't have too much fine-motor skill activities to refine my dexterity.

Did you shadow before applying to dental schools?
Yes, I had around 40 hours of shadowing, which was low compared to other students. This is basically a requirement at any school I interviewed at.
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Did you move to a new city for dental school? If so, what helped that transition?
Yes, I moved from Georgia. I found a good group in school and out of school to help me have a good balance. I found my balance in a church family, but had a good group of friends at school as well that would get together for ski trips, basketball, and just getting away from school for a bit.'
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What advice would you give applicants or those considering dental school?
I would advise looking into how to pay for dental school. It is extremely expensive these days and scholarship opportunities can reduce a lot of stress about money after graduation. Whether it is military or health corps scholarships, there are great options to explore. If scholarships/repayment aren't your cup of tea, look at all loan options, public and private. An 8% interest rate may equal an extremely nice car in interest by the end of school versus a 3 or 4% interest rate loan.
 
Dental school is tough. There's a lot of stress in a lot of different ways, but I wouldn't change my decision at all. A balance is the most important lesson I've learned from dental school (other than how to BE a dentist): school is the primary focus, but organizations were a great way to plug my brain in to more than one source of information. Sports were a way for me to socialize while staying in some semblance of shape. BU dental has been a great choice, and I've thought that all along the way, even on the toughest days.

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David Lane
Boston University GSDM
ASDA Legislative Coordinator, Districts 1-3 

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