Sixteen Learners Join DDS Class of 2027 Through PASS
This January, 16 learners began their journey toward earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree as part of the Program for Advanced Standing Students (PASS). The School of Dentistry’s PASS program is a 29-month integrated program designed for graduates of dental schools outside the United States and Canada, enabling them to practice general dentistry in the U.S.
Global Perspectives, Global Education
Each student brings unique experiences and aspirations to the program, shaping the future of dentistry with their diverse backgrounds.
Mike Chi (China-Korea) – With a Master's in Dental Surgery and residency in Prosthodontics from China, followed by a Doctorate in Dental Medicine in Switzerland, Chi served as a Postdoctoral Scientist at Columbia University where he published 15 peer-reviewed articles and is currently working on his 16th. His passion for dentistry is fueled by his background in bodybuilding. He says, “Bodybuilding instilled in me discipline, precision, and continuous improvement, values that define my approach to dentistry.” He looks forward to pursuing his DDS degree and continuing his research at the University of Minnesota.
Rolake Adams (Nigeria) – After completing dental school at the University of Lagos, Adams specialized in pediatric dentistry and later moved to Canada with her family. Working as a sleep dentistry treatment coordinator gave her valuable insight into the North American dental system. “It feels surreal,” she says of her acceptance into PASS, recalling how she once read past students’ biographies while awaiting her own interview. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys the arts, theatre, drawing, painting, and music.
Armando Dominguez Lucas (Mexico) – With the support of the orphanage in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, where he grew up, Dominguez Lucas earned his dental degree in Mexico. He later moved to the U.S. to marry his wife. Learning English while working in various dental settings, he discovered a passion for pediatric dentistry. “Joining the University of Minnesota is a dream come true,” he says. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, biking, and exploring new skills and technologies.
A Future Rooted in Minnesota
Most PASS graduates choose to stay in the U.S. after earning their DDS, with many establishing successful careers in Minnesota. The opportunities and connections they gain through the program set them on a path toward professional and personal growth, reinforcing the School of Dentistry’s legacy of excellence in global dental education.