On Saturday, March 2, 2013, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s (GSDM) Student National Dental Association (SNDA), American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) launched the first SNDA Impressions program in the School’s history.

Impressions is a flagship event for SNDA chapters nationwide. The program encourages and educates pre-dental students by inviting them to campus and introducing them to several aspects of dental school and GSDM in particular.

Forty-two pre-dental students from local colleges and universities joined forty GSDM student volunteers at the School to participate in the daylong program. Their schedule included presentations led by Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese and Director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs Dr. Larry Dunham, information sessions from the GSDM Admissions Office and Kaplan Test Prep, a School tour, an interviewing skills workshop, a session in the Simulation Learning Center (SLC), and a presentation about taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).

Dr. Calabrese praised the results of the program. He said, “Our first SNDA Impressions program was very successful. A strong turnout from pre-dental students as well as our GSDM student volunteers created a buzz in the School. I look forward to the next Impressions program and hope we will maintain this level of excitement and participation from GSDM students and pre-dental students.”

Wyatt Traina DMD 14, Community Service Chairman of GSDM’s SNDA chapter was thrilled with the day’s outcome as well. “It was a smashing success,” said Traina. “The event ran smoothly and was well received. It was terrific when Dean Hutter came by to speak to some of the undergrads as well.”

“I enjoyed speaking with the pre-dental students regarding careers in dentistry, their current college and university experiences, and how they were enjoying their day at GSDM,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Thanks to all the GSDM students who participated in this wonderful event.”

The pre-dental students in attendance expressed their gratitude to GSDM for organizing the program. “On behalf of the UMass Amherst Pre-Dental society, I would like to say thank you for hosting us at this year’s BU Impressions Day, “ said  Raquel Manley, President of the Pre-Dental Society at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “Every society member I have talked to is definitely interested in applying in the coming years.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

Submitted by GSDM Communications.

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