Orientation welcomes incoming clinical learners to School of Dentistry

Members of the DDS Class of 2029, Dental Hygiene Class of 2027 and Dental Therapy Class of 2028 gathered on campus together for the first time on Wednesday, August 6 and Thursday, August 7 for their orientation. 

The day began with a welcome from Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD. 

“Welcome to your future professions,” he said. “The oral health profession gives you a great opportunity to connect with your community. You’ve made a great choice, and you’re a vital member of the health care team. Oral health care is essential health care–without oral health, you don’t have health.” 

Mays shared updates with the school’s initiatives, including leadership, digital dentistry and research, that will contribute to the incoming learners’ experiences. 

Following Mays’s reflection, students heard from the Office of Admissions. Paul Jardine, PhD, interim director of the office and professor of basic sciences, provided an overview of the incoming DDS, Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy classes from the perspective of the Admissions Committee, welcomed them to school and acknowledged the transfer they were undertaking from prospective students to current students.  

“I love this institution, the people in it and the students we train,” he said. “You are starting on a journey that will be transformative for you, and more importantly, to your communities.” 

Learners heard from members of the Office of Student and Resident Affairs, Office of Academic Affairs and Disability Resource Center throughout the morning.

Following information sessions, incoming students enjoyed an involvement fair. This casual gathering allowed students to learn more about various clubs and organizations at the school, from affinity groups to organized dentistry. A lunch session paired incoming learners with current students and faculty, for an opportunity to talk about the school, dentistry and any questions the students might have. Students then received tours of the school from current students in their programs.

A second day of orientation involved learning about additional resources and policies, hearing from current students and preparing each class’s code of ethics—an essential commitment each incoming class makes to themselves and their community. 

Finally, learners gathered in the University’s Recreation and Wellness Center for teambuilding activities. Led by representatives from Playfair, students learned more about one another while playing games and taking part in icebreakers. 

We extend a warm welcome to our incoming learners and congratulate them on the start of this exciting new chapter!