2013 Predental Day

On March 22nd, we were fortunate to host nearly 60 Predental students in attendance from over 12 different universities; this year’s Predental day was a great success! Students were welcomed with opening remarks by Dean, Dr. David Sarrett and immediate past National ASDA Vice President Alex Barton who highlighted the importance of involvement in organized dentistry and ASDA as well as the strengths of VCU School of Dentistry.

Predental students were then divided into two tracks depending on their undergraduate year. Track 1 (freshmen and sophomores) attended a Q/A session hosted by Dr. Lawrence Masters and a panel of dental students which focused on prequistes curriculum and dental school applications. From there they rotated into a wax-carving lesson and had the opportunity to carve a central incisor. Lastly, the students were given a tour of the dental school including the clinics. Track 2 students (juniors, seniors, and post-baccalaureate) rotated through Q/A sessions hosted by Dr. Robert Sabatini and a panel of dental students, participated in mock interviews, prepped Class 1 lesions in DentSim, and were also offered a tour.

Following the rotations, students attended a brief Kaplan Test Prep information session, and then received closing remarks and a Q&A session from Dr. Michael Healy, Dean of Admissions. Students were eager to ask questions about coursework, shadowing, letters of recommendation, and the overall application process. Lastly, students participated in a raffle event composed of over $2000 worth of prizes which included: Sonicare Probrushes, OralB electric toothbrushes, DAT Destroyer Combination Pack, Henry Schein Powerbrushes, tooth mugs, and a grand prize of a complete Kaplan DAT Test Prep Course! We received positive feedback from students who said, “I highly recommend attending Predental Day”, and “[I] loved getting to meet and speak with my ASDA mentor; also being able to give mock interviews a try, very helpful and encouraging!” Overall, the event was a great success and we are looking forward to using predental student feedback to improve the event for next year!

Predental day participants and volunteers

Raffle Prize Winners! Over $2000 worth of prizes!

Q&A with Dr. Healy

ASDA Predental Mentoring Lunch

Track 2: The dental school interview and Q&A panel

ASDA Predental Mentoring Lunch