By Jonathan Hurng, DDS Candidate, 2015
"Relieved, grateful, well-fed!" These were the thoughts expressed as 54 international dentists parted after attending the UCSF American Student Dental Association (ASDA)’s Second International Pre-Dental Interview Day, held on Sunday, October 14th, 2012.
ASDA’s International Pre-Dental day is an event primarily aimed to prepare international dentists for upcoming Fall interviews, and to provide additional information regarding the application process to international professionals looking to further their dental education. Highlights of the program included presentations conducted by current International Dental Program (IDP) students Stalinjeet Gill and Wint Wint Tun (ID3) on interview day overview, interview etiquette, and tips to achieve a successful interview. Subsequent student Q&A panels, mock interviews, and dinner social were provided by the current students of the International Dental Program. It offered an invaluable opportunity for the interviewees to interact with the student body and receive constructive feedback.
Although a program dedicated to the international dentist, this event aims to achieve further collaboration between the international and domestic dental students. Due to discrepancies in curriculum, students find little opportunity to interact. "It’s wonderful that we can all find the time and dedication to create a program that positively influences the community and exemplifies UCSF. It’s encouraging to assist students of different backgrounds, as we all have experienced the process of preparing for UCSF interviews" (Tiffany Hsu D2). "My advice for all dental professionals in training is be confident about your education, be confident about yourself, and it will guarantee your success," concluded Noha Oushy (ID3).
Michael Hong (D2), current chair of the ASDA Pre-dental Committee added "We feel that many outreach programs currently offered are primarily aimed to equip domestic Pre-dental students for the dental school applications and the interview process. Unfortunately, there seems to be a dearth of such opportunities for the international dentists. ASDA aims to support all dental students, domestic and international alike."
For further information on this event please contact Michael Hong (Michael.Hong@ucsf.edu).
Pictured
UCSF student-volunteers and attendees of the ASDA Second International Pre-Dental Interview Day event.
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