Hello all the UNM and non-UNM students,
I'm trying to form a DAT study group out of studious NM students. We will get together once or twice or more times a week (depending on how things will bloom!) and do a mini DAT under timed conditions and then we'll go over them together.I'll bring the material and you can share thoughts:). Basically we'll be tutoring each other and use each other's knowledge and expertise on different areas of DAT.
Also those predenters who took the test are also invited and more than welcomed to join and help us (at least every now and then!)
We might be able to have DAT discussion meetings every now and then and hear about it right from the horse's mouth!
We can start preparing and test ourselves with the KAPLAN DAT practice test in October. It's never too early to start!
So no matter how good or bad your science background is come join us!
I believe Sundays at 1 pm probably would be a good time for many of us. If you can't make it at that time and would like to be part of this let me know when is a convenient time for you.
You may call me at 505-3213399 or email me at lilietta2000@yahoo.com
I can't wait to hear from you!
Layla
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Hal Lippman, DDS
By Diana Aziz
Hal Lippman, DDS, is the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine in sunny Davie, Florida.
Dr. Lippman graduated from New York University School of Dental Medicine in 1975, and completed his general practice residency at the Manhattan V.A. Hospital. After 32 years in private practice, Dr. Lippman decided to join the team at Nova Southeastern University.
As an Assistant Dean of Admissions, what do you feel is most important in predicting success in dental school?
A big part of predicting future success is past academic history, [and the] depth and breadth of biological science background. We like to see plenty of upper level science classes; this makes transition to the first and second year of dental school a smooth, successful one.
What types of students are you looking for?
Students must be self-motivated, mature, well-balanced students of excellent character, with an extensive biological [sciences] background. We don’t want to have to spoon feed any students. It’s not only the student with the 4.0 [GPA], you have to be a well-rounded applicant.
The Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) opens on May 15th. When do you begin reviewing applications and when do you start interviewing?
As soon as supplemental applications are processed, we review each applicant and invite for interviews starting mid to late August. The reason we started so early is because we found from last year that by January we ended up having our class filled, [having] started (interviewing) in September. There were so many great applicants [who had] applied a little late that didn’t have an opportunity to interview, so we figured we’d start a little earlier this year to give more applicants an opportunity to get their application in.
When reviewing an application is there any one thing Admissions Committees look for?
No, not one specific thing, but if there is a deficiency in any area, it must be offset by excellence in another area. Also, when I look at the personal statements they must be well written and grammatically sound.
In the personal statement, is there anything you specifically look for? What should a well-written personal statement include?
The personal statement should define you as a person, and explain your interest in pursuing a dental career. I also mentioned before that it must be grammatically sound. Be yourself; we read thousands of these and we know whether someone is being genuine or not.
There are many people that share the misconception that dental school is much easier to get into than medical school. Others simply realize that medicine is not for them. How do you feel about the applicants that have previously applied to medical school or are applying to medical school at the same time?
It is okay to have previously applied to medical school, as long as it is [prior] to your application to dental school. You will be asked to explain the circumstances of your change of career paths during an interview. I will be completely honest in saying that it is really not a good idea to apply to both fields in the same cycle; it does not show dedication or commitment to one.
How important are extracurricular activities for admission? What type of extra curricular activities are a “must”?
Extracurricular activities can only be seen as a plus and they demonstrate a well-rounded individual. Things such as dental shadowing, biomedical research, leadership positions in student government, outside agencies, clubs, etc., are great additions to an application. Volunteering and community service are also looked favorably upon.
How are dropped classes viewed on an application? Is there a certain number that automatically raise a red flag?
A couple won’t really hurt you - they can be overlooked - but many “W’s” can be a negative if there is a definite trend throughout your academic history. We also look to see what happened to that dropped class (i.e., if that student took it in a later semester, or took it later at a community college).
When students retake classes and do well, does that help put the committee at ease about future academic performance?
Considering NSUCDM does not accept anything lower than a “C” in any required course, the answer is a course must be retaken and a letter grade of “C” or better attained. We expect you to retake it if it is lower than a “C” for any of the pre-requisite courses. I would not waste my time retaking courses to raise grades; instead I would take additional, upper level courses.
How important is research on an application?
As the years go by it seems that it is becoming increasingly more important. It shows dedication because it’s something you do on your own time. If at any point the applicant has a chance to do research, I would recommend they do it.
After all applications are submitted, what are the criteria that must be met to be invited for an interview?
It really depends on the applicant pool. The stats change from year to year, so it’s hard to say. A strong science grade point average (GPA), and strong scores in the science portion of the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) are things we specifically look at when deciding who to invite.
Once invited for an interview, what do you feel is the best way to prepare for the interview?
Be yourself. The difficult part of the admissions process is getting the interview; if you get the opportunity to interview it is because you are the type of candidate we are looking for. We are very selective on who we invite. I would also check the interview feedback on [the Student Doctor Network]; if you read that, you’ll know that our interview is very laid back.
How does the committee then decide after the interview on whether the student will be accepted or placed on an alternate list?
The committee evaluates the entire admissions package, heavily weighing the interview process. The committee then makes a recommendation to the Dean, who makes the final decision.
Private institutions - such as Nova - are often more costly than state schools. Do you feel cost should influence an applicant’s decision on where to attend dental school?
Of course cost must be a part of the decision making process, but there are many other factors that are certainly more important in choosing which dental school to attend. Location is a good example. You need to like the area you’re going to be spending the next four years of school.
Are there any scholarships or awards offered to applicants?
Nova Southeastern does have scholarships and awards available.
How does the committee view applicants that have applied more than once? What advice can you give to re-applicants?
The committee does not look negatively on re-applicants, but make sure you do something to improve your application from one year to the next. For example, if DAT scores are a little low, re-take the DAT, take additional upper level courses or take some masters courses.
Do more dental school graduates end up specializing or going on to become general practitioners?
25%-30% of the graduating class either specialize or do some post-doctoral training.
Any other advice or tips on the application process?
The best advice I can give is to apply early!
To discuss this article on the forums, follow this link:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=5525834#post5525834
Hal Lippman, DDS, is the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine in sunny Davie, Florida.
Dr. Lippman graduated from New York University School of Dental Medicine in 1975, and completed his general practice residency at the Manhattan V.A. Hospital. After 32 years in private practice, Dr. Lippman decided to join the team at Nova Southeastern University.
As an Assistant Dean of Admissions, what do you feel is most important in predicting success in dental school?
A big part of predicting future success is past academic history, [and the] depth and breadth of biological science background. We like to see plenty of upper level science classes; this makes transition to the first and second year of dental school a smooth, successful one.
What types of students are you looking for?
Students must be self-motivated, mature, well-balanced students of excellent character, with an extensive biological [sciences] background. We don’t want to have to spoon feed any students. It’s not only the student with the 4.0 [GPA], you have to be a well-rounded applicant.
The Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) opens on May 15th. When do you begin reviewing applications and when do you start interviewing?
As soon as supplemental applications are processed, we review each applicant and invite for interviews starting mid to late August. The reason we started so early is because we found from last year that by January we ended up having our class filled, [having] started (interviewing) in September. There were so many great applicants [who had] applied a little late that didn’t have an opportunity to interview, so we figured we’d start a little earlier this year to give more applicants an opportunity to get their application in.
When reviewing an application is there any one thing Admissions Committees look for?
No, not one specific thing, but if there is a deficiency in any area, it must be offset by excellence in another area. Also, when I look at the personal statements they must be well written and grammatically sound.
In the personal statement, is there anything you specifically look for? What should a well-written personal statement include?
The personal statement should define you as a person, and explain your interest in pursuing a dental career. I also mentioned before that it must be grammatically sound. Be yourself; we read thousands of these and we know whether someone is being genuine or not.
There are many people that share the misconception that dental school is much easier to get into than medical school. Others simply realize that medicine is not for them. How do you feel about the applicants that have previously applied to medical school or are applying to medical school at the same time?
It is okay to have previously applied to medical school, as long as it is [prior] to your application to dental school. You will be asked to explain the circumstances of your change of career paths during an interview. I will be completely honest in saying that it is really not a good idea to apply to both fields in the same cycle; it does not show dedication or commitment to one.
How important are extracurricular activities for admission? What type of extra curricular activities are a “must”?
Extracurricular activities can only be seen as a plus and they demonstrate a well-rounded individual. Things such as dental shadowing, biomedical research, leadership positions in student government, outside agencies, clubs, etc., are great additions to an application. Volunteering and community service are also looked favorably upon.
How are dropped classes viewed on an application? Is there a certain number that automatically raise a red flag?
A couple won’t really hurt you - they can be overlooked - but many “W’s” can be a negative if there is a definite trend throughout your academic history. We also look to see what happened to that dropped class (i.e., if that student took it in a later semester, or took it later at a community college).
When students retake classes and do well, does that help put the committee at ease about future academic performance?
Considering NSUCDM does not accept anything lower than a “C” in any required course, the answer is a course must be retaken and a letter grade of “C” or better attained. We expect you to retake it if it is lower than a “C” for any of the pre-requisite courses. I would not waste my time retaking courses to raise grades; instead I would take additional, upper level courses.
How important is research on an application?
As the years go by it seems that it is becoming increasingly more important. It shows dedication because it’s something you do on your own time. If at any point the applicant has a chance to do research, I would recommend they do it.
After all applications are submitted, what are the criteria that must be met to be invited for an interview?
It really depends on the applicant pool. The stats change from year to year, so it’s hard to say. A strong science grade point average (GPA), and strong scores in the science portion of the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) are things we specifically look at when deciding who to invite.
Once invited for an interview, what do you feel is the best way to prepare for the interview?
Be yourself. The difficult part of the admissions process is getting the interview; if you get the opportunity to interview it is because you are the type of candidate we are looking for. We are very selective on who we invite. I would also check the interview feedback on [the Student Doctor Network]; if you read that, you’ll know that our interview is very laid back.
How does the committee then decide after the interview on whether the student will be accepted or placed on an alternate list?
The committee evaluates the entire admissions package, heavily weighing the interview process. The committee then makes a recommendation to the Dean, who makes the final decision.
Private institutions - such as Nova - are often more costly than state schools. Do you feel cost should influence an applicant’s decision on where to attend dental school?
Of course cost must be a part of the decision making process, but there are many other factors that are certainly more important in choosing which dental school to attend. Location is a good example. You need to like the area you’re going to be spending the next four years of school.
Are there any scholarships or awards offered to applicants?
Nova Southeastern does have scholarships and awards available.
How does the committee view applicants that have applied more than once? What advice can you give to re-applicants?
The committee does not look negatively on re-applicants, but make sure you do something to improve your application from one year to the next. For example, if DAT scores are a little low, re-take the DAT, take additional upper level courses or take some masters courses.
Do more dental school graduates end up specializing or going on to become general practitioners?
25%-30% of the graduating class either specialize or do some post-doctoral training.
Any other advice or tips on the application process?
The best advice I can give is to apply early!
To discuss this article on the forums, follow this link:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=5525834#post5525834
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Our First Meeting on Monday
Message From the President:
Hello everyone
The fall semester is already upon us, and with this comes another semester of meetings and activities for the University of New Mexico Pre-Dental Society. Our first meeting of the semester will be Monday, August 27th at 6:00 PM. We are still trying to get a room scheduled so I will get that out to all of you as soon as we have that.
The fees for being a member of the society are the same, which is 25 dollars (cash or check). Make checks payable to the University of New Mexico Pre-Dental Society.
We are going to be calling another community service chair, so if anyone is interested in this let me know by emailing me back with a name and a reason of why you would be qualified at this position and I will forward this on to the rest of the society. Elections will be held the same way by vote of the society at our first meeting on the 27th.
At this meeting we will be getting ideas of what all of you want out of the society for this next academic year, so start thinking of ideas. Another reminder will go out soon. Later
Jonah
PS We will have FOOD, and bring any friends that may be interested in dentistry
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Prankster Dentist Wins in Court
Prankster Dentist Wins in Court
By DAVID AMMONS, Associated Press Writer
Friday, July 27, 2007
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(07-27) 08:07 PDT Olympia, Wash. (AP) --
An oral surgeon who temporarily implanted fake boar tusks in his assistant's mouth as a practical joke and got sued for it has gotten the state's high court to back up his gag.
Dr. Robert Woo of Auburn had put in the phony tusks while the woman was under anesthesia for a different procedure. He took them out before she awoke, but he first shot photos that eventually made it around the office.
The employee, Tina Alberts, felt so humiliated when she saw the pictures that she quit and sued her boss.
Woo's insurance company, Fireman's Fund, refused to cover the claim, saying the practical joke was intentional and not a normal business activity his insurance policy covered, so Woo settled out of court. He agreed to pay Alberts $250,000, then he sued his insurers.
A King County Superior Court jury sided with Woo, ordering Fireman's Fund to pay him $750,000, plus the out-of-court settlement. The insurance company won the next round, with the state Court of Appeals saying the prank had nothing to do with Woo's practice of dentistry. On Thursday, the state Supreme Court restored Woo's award.
In a sprightly 5-4 decision, Supreme Court Justice Mary Fairhurst wrote that Woo's practical joke was an integral, if odd, part of the assistant's dental surgery and "conceivably" should trigger the professional liability coverage of his policy.
Dissenting Justice James Johnson said the prank wasn't a dental procedure at all and only "rewards Dr. Woo's obnoxious behavior and allows him to profit handsomely."
The back story, the court wrote, is that Alberts' family raises potbellied pigs and that she frequently talked about them at the office where she worked for five years.
Woo said his jests about the pigs were part of "a friendly working environment" that he tried to foster.
The oral surgery on Alberts was intended to replace two of her teeth with implants, which Woo did. First, though, he installed temporary bridges that he had shaped to look like boar tusks, and while Alberts was still under anesthesia, he took photos, some with her eyes propped open. Before she woke up, he removed the "tusks" and put in the proper replacement teeth.
Woo says he didn't personally show her the pictures but staffers gave her copies at a birthday party.
Woo's lawyer, Richard Kilpatrick, described the surgeon as a kindhearted, fun-loving man who was chagrined that an office prank turned out so badly. He was delighted with the high court's decision, Kilpatrick said.
Attorneys for the insurance company did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
By DAVID AMMONS, Associated Press Writer
Friday, July 27, 2007
Printable VersionEmail This Article del.icio.us
Digg
Technorati
Reddit Slashdot
Fark
Newsvine
Google Bookmarks
(25) Georgia (default)
Verdana
Times New Roman
Arial
Bondage File
Read more weird news in the Bondage File.
(07-27) 08:07 PDT Olympia, Wash. (AP) --
An oral surgeon who temporarily implanted fake boar tusks in his assistant's mouth as a practical joke and got sued for it has gotten the state's high court to back up his gag.
Dr. Robert Woo of Auburn had put in the phony tusks while the woman was under anesthesia for a different procedure. He took them out before she awoke, but he first shot photos that eventually made it around the office.
The employee, Tina Alberts, felt so humiliated when she saw the pictures that she quit and sued her boss.
Woo's insurance company, Fireman's Fund, refused to cover the claim, saying the practical joke was intentional and not a normal business activity his insurance policy covered, so Woo settled out of court. He agreed to pay Alberts $250,000, then he sued his insurers.
A King County Superior Court jury sided with Woo, ordering Fireman's Fund to pay him $750,000, plus the out-of-court settlement. The insurance company won the next round, with the state Court of Appeals saying the prank had nothing to do with Woo's practice of dentistry. On Thursday, the state Supreme Court restored Woo's award.
In a sprightly 5-4 decision, Supreme Court Justice Mary Fairhurst wrote that Woo's practical joke was an integral, if odd, part of the assistant's dental surgery and "conceivably" should trigger the professional liability coverage of his policy.
Dissenting Justice James Johnson said the prank wasn't a dental procedure at all and only "rewards Dr. Woo's obnoxious behavior and allows him to profit handsomely."
The back story, the court wrote, is that Alberts' family raises potbellied pigs and that she frequently talked about them at the office where she worked for five years.
Woo said his jests about the pigs were part of "a friendly working environment" that he tried to foster.
The oral surgery on Alberts was intended to replace two of her teeth with implants, which Woo did. First, though, he installed temporary bridges that he had shaped to look like boar tusks, and while Alberts was still under anesthesia, he took photos, some with her eyes propped open. Before she woke up, he removed the "tusks" and put in the proper replacement teeth.
Woo says he didn't personally show her the pictures but staffers gave her copies at a birthday party.
Woo's lawyer, Richard Kilpatrick, described the surgeon as a kindhearted, fun-loving man who was chagrined that an office prank turned out so badly. He was delighted with the high court's decision, Kilpatrick said.
Attorneys for the insurance company did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
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