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As a pre-dental student at the the Â鶹´«Ã½, I majored in medical biology and minored in sociology and nutrition. By expanding my studies beyond my science degree, I was able to interact with students from various disciplines and backgrounds. Interprofessional collaboration provided me the opportunity to experience different perspectives on many subject matters and prepared me for my future as a dental professional. Through my expanded coursework and daily interprofessional interactions, I furthered my understanding of wellness, access to care, and gained perspective on the intricacies of our healthcare system.

While I did spend many hours in the classroom, I still was able to participate in many other activities. I joined the crew team, sat as secretary on the board for the pre-dental club, volunteered as a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, was president of UNEFit and instructed Zumba classes several times a week.

Despite everything I accomplished at UNE, I only transferred to the university at the beginning of my junior year. There was a lot of anxiety of surrounding my decision to transfer, especially when I only had two years left of undergraduate. However, at the time, I knew I wanted to go to dental school, I knew that Â鶹´«Ã½had the resources and I knew they would see me through achieving my goal. To say that my expectations were exceeded is an understatement. Every individual, from admissions, career services, and the internship office, to student affairs, the head of the biology department, and academic tutors, went above and beyond to ensure my success as a student at the UNE. I am incredibly grateful for the supportive, tight-knit community that I was, and still am a part of, because of my choice to attend the Â鶹´«Ã½.

Internship/Clinical Experience

During my senior year, through the internship office, I was afforded the opportunity to work as a clinical assistant in a local, well-respected oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. I was placed in the recovery room where I learned sterilization practices and how to care for post-surgical patients. Beyond the recovery room, I was able to observe and learn from each of the four doctors at the office. In addition to the clinical skills I gained, I encountered many challenging situations that furthered my interpersonal skills. Communication is critical in the healthcare field. Being able to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other health professionals is a life skill that is hard to teach in a classroom setting. Having the chance to spend time each week in a professional environment was a welcomed change in pace to the typical lecture-style of education. At the end of my internship, I was offered a position for the following semester and subsequently worked at the office until beginning of my journey at UNE’s College of Dental Medicine.