Cecilia Lovinger, DDS ’25, didn’t want to be another number. She wanted a well-rounded, full education that trained her to be an excellent and compassionate dentist. That’s exactly what she found at the School of Dentistry.
It all started with the application. “I chose the School of Dentistry because I valued the holistic approach to admissions,” Lovinger reflected, referencing the comprehensive view of a candidate the admissions committee takes. “I felt like they genuinely cared about what I had to offer to the program.”
Lovinger knew that the School of Dentistry would shape her into the kind of dentist she wanted to be. “I wanted to attend a school where I could be a competent and empathetic provider without the competitiveness associated with some other programs,” she said.
The program has certainly lived up to her expectations—in fact, she considers her classmates and faculty to be her favorite thing about the program.
“My classmates and I care about each other and genuinely want everyone to succeed,” she said. She has seen that drive and collaborative spirit through mentorship programs in the school and in dental fraternities. “It’s invaluable to have upperclassmen in your corner, right from the start of school, to share advice about classes and tips on improving your hand skills,” she said. “I am inspired to continue this collaborative effort and get involved with future incoming classes.
In addition to formal mentorship opportunities and collaborations, Lovinger has enjoyed creating lasting friendships with her classmates. Though she’s only just begun her dental journey, she knows she made the right decision, and she’d make it again in a heartbeat.
“The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry sets itself apart by achieving high educational standards parallelled with an unmatched collaborative environment."
INVOLVEMENT
Class President, DDS Class of 2025
Member, American Student Dental Association
Member, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club
Member, Psi Omega Fraternity
HOMETOWN
Savage, MN