July 16, 2019

A highly qualified group of students and residents from around the world officially joined the Dugoni School family in San Francisco during a week of matriculation activities held July 8 - 12.

Activities included welcoming remarks from Dean Nader A. Nadershahi and introductions of school administrators; orientation in the Simulation Clinic; student kit distribution; and presentations about academics, technology, student services, financial aid and more. Social events included a Supportive Partners' mixer where students could bring their spouses or partners to meet each other.

On the final day, students participated in a retreat at the Presidio's historic Golden Gate Club featuring a presentation on professional standards by faculty member and California Dental Association Past President Dr. Natasha Lee, as well as lunch, and team building activities. Second-year dental students Kenji O'Brien, Matt Rodman and Teri Mitchell, along with members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, facilitated an identity mixer and writing exercise where students reflected on their identities that inform who they are and the type of healthcare provider they will become.

The 144 members of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2022 represent 39 undergraduate institutions from across the country. The class is 51 percent male and 49 percent female, with an average age of 22, and includes students who were born in 12 different countries. The entering class averaged an overall GPA of 3.51 and the class achieved a strong academic average of 22.16 on the Dental Admissions Test.

The 26 members of the International Dental Studies Class of 2021 come from 12 countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iraq, Moldova, Pakistan, Russia, Slovenia, Syria and Yemen. These students already have dental degrees from their home countries, but will now complete the two-year, accelerated IDS program at the Dugoni School, which will make them eligible to sit for any state or regional dental board in the country.

In addition, 12 residents entering the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program participated in matriculation activities. The residents will be based at the school's Union City Dental Care Center and at Highland Hospital in Oakland for a one-year program.

"As a graduate and as your Dean, it is a unique pleasure for me to welcome you to the Dugoni School family," said Dean Nadershahi in his remarks to the class members. "It is a family that will be as important a part of your life and success as it has been for me. Some of your fellow students will become some of your closest friends for life. We are so happy to welcome you as you start this exciting new journey in your life."

Contact: Office of Marketing and Communications, 415.929.6434, pr@pacific.edu

Categories: Academic Programs, Administration, Faculty, Students, 2019

Contact: Office of Marketing and Communications, 415.929.6434, pr@pacific.edu