Catching up: studying pre-dentistry at DePauw

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DePauw's pre-dentistry club was initially fashioned as a resource for students interested in pursing a dental career, but found it difficult to do so at a liberal arts college.
The pre-dentistry club was founded by president Trent Kirkwood, a senior.
"[It acts as a] liaison from DePauw to dental school," Kirkwood said.
Kirkwood felt that he lacked the necessary information to apply to pre-dental school when he was a freshman. By the time he had learned the requirements for acceptance into pre-dental school, he had felt that he was behind and wished he had received more guidance early on.
Kirkwood, whose father is a dentist, learned from experience of working in his father's office.
"I've shadowed every specialty there is," Kirkwood said.
The pre-dentistry club acts as a center for information concerning a dental career.
Kirkwood felt that DePauw students are not well informed about post graduate advising, so he took the leadership on organizing the group. He said that he educated its members about pre-dentistry. He did so with student-to-student advising, and exposing freshmen to the pre-dental world and biology. He also led a trip to Indiana University's Science Fair in order to promote more education for them. The ultimate goal of the club is simple: getting into pre-dental school.
This does not necessarily mean it is a place for students to study together, but they often do because the pre-requisites demand similar classes. Among the classes are physics, biology, anatomy, organic and inorganic chemistry, calculus and psychology.
Those are just the basic requirements to get into dental school. Pre-dentistry students must take the Dental Admission Test, or the DAT, at the beginning of junior year. They must also complete interviews with pre-dental programs.
Kirkwood chose to study pre-dentistry since he enjoyed interacting with his patients.
"There are always difficulties and challenges, which makes it interesting," he said. "I'm never bored."
Some members of the pre-dentistry club have also enjoyed their experiences with their dentists. At least two pre-dentistry students have had extensive dental work done themselves.
Julia Abarr, a senior, said that she had braces for three years, along with a headgear that she only wore at home. She chose pre-dentistry because she really enjoyed science, but she didn't know that she wanted to be a dentist until her sophomore year.
"I hope the club will become more recognized," Abarr said. "It's a resource for applying to dental school."
Libby Harmon, a senior, said that she braces twice because of missing teeth. One of her treatment schedules occurred during her freshman year at DePauw. She said that she felt that everyone called her "braces girl."
Even so, she had a friendly dentist.
"He made me feel safe," Harmon said.
She said that she is planning to attend dental school, but it will be delayed. Since there are several classes required for a dental career, it was difficult for her to take them all during her four years here. Harmon plans on taking classes in the summer following her graduation in 2013 in order to fulfill all of the necessary classes.
"I didn't even know we had a pre-dentistry club," she said. "I'm excited to learn more about it."
Advised by biology professor Lynn Bedard, who is currently on sabbatical, Kirkwood does feel that the club could be more effective and feels partial blame for that. So far, the club has been utilizing email as a method of communication, but he hopes to schedule a meeting after fall break. From then on, they plan to meet at least once a month. He believes there is potential from the group and certainly a high demand.
Because he is a senior, Kirkwood plans on passing down the role of president with a club election sometime in the spring. He would like the club to become more effective in helping fellow students progress to pre-dentistry schools.