DrStudentDentist

I had to wait for computer orientation day to get my brand, spanking new laptop since my desktop of 3 years is slightly kaput.

So Day 1 of dental school was on Friday July 11th, 2008. I woke up at 6:15AM to get to school by 7:30AM breakfast. I decided to try a new bike route to school  - Sutter Street instead of Pine Street. Sutter is a no go as far as early morning biking as I had to step off and walk up one of the hills. That was not only inefficient but also a monstrous blow to my self-esteem. So Pine Street it is.

 Breakfast @ Cafe Cagnone (UOP’s Cafeteria)

 The Rat Pack of Deans

I started off the day being handed a folder of papers while walking into UOP’s cafeteria. Breakfast was provided for both the DDS and IDS (international dental school) students. With 150+ people waiting on line for breakfast, 30 minutes was not enough time for breakfast. Plus, I spent a lot of it shaking hands with my fellow classmates. I ended up bringing coffee and a bagel into our next event of the day - welcoming speeches by Dean Ferrillo and staff.

Here are some notes I took of Dean Ferrillo’s speech:

• Class of 2011 is working with traditional textbooks and some digital material
•  3100 applicants to UOP for 2008 cycle for 142 seats
  • 175-180 accepted … 75% accepted students chose to attend UOP
  • Dean Ferrillo is not involved with the selection process - he does read the applications
  • Numbers: 3.4 GPA & ~20+ on DATs (22 avg)
  • Looking for students with a commitment/passion about people & engaged in community activity
    • Personal note: I was asked about any volunteer work during my interview. I cited my involvement in the NYC MS Bike Tour and raising money for this cause as an example.
  • current class: 51% male & 49% female
  • average age: 24-25 with a high: 36
  • 35 from UOP Stockton
  • IDS: 400 applied for 22 seats
• UOP values humanism as opposed to militaristic way of teaching
• Values:
  • innovation
  • reflection
  • collaboration
  • stewardship
  • philanthropy
• 97-98% of graduating class donated to school despite loans

Other notes:

• There is mandatory health insurance that you must enroll in even if already covered under another policy (i.e. parents’)
• Office visits: $20 copay
• ER visit: $2000 deductible
• Can tack on dependants; or subtract during the year
• Avg Total amount of loans: $241,319
• Estimated monthly loan payment: $2,875
• Loans will be disbursed July 25th

I signed my names on the dotted line, officially matriculating into the class of 2011 in the Registration part of the speech as well as confirming that I’d pay the school my dues during the Kit Payment confirmation part. The financial aid speech was, no offense to the speaker, the most boring part of the morning. I understand the information is important but much of it is highly redundant and could have been cut short by handing out a 6 slide/page printout of the powerpoint presentation. After the speeches, I went on to lunch where 1/2 a wrap, chips and drinks were provided.

After my belly was full, I proceeded up to the Sim Lab where I discovered my sim lab seating assignments and where the student kit awaited my opening. I wished and prayed and hoped I would get a window seat and …. I GOT ONE! Those seats are most seriously coveted by all and for good reason. The only thing behind me is a giant sheet of glass facing the rest of the world where I can turn to and daydream in case dental school gets on my nerves. The only negative of that would be in the case of an earthquake that shattered the glass so quickly that I can’t run for cover before it comes tumbling down upon my head causing some horrible, awful, terrible physical deformity … but … let’s pretend my legs are super fast. In any case, without a path behind me, there won’t be anyone strolling by and carelessly bumping into me while I diligently work away on my 17th wax up. In any case, there isn’t much any one can do as far as seating arrangments so I would’ve been grateful anywhere I ended up, it’s just now I’m happy and grateful.

Student kit opening was a bit overwhelming for me. We had 2 big boxes of equipment and materials to sort through, check off, and put into our lockers. It wasn’t until I talked to some 2nd years that I realized they felt the same when they went through it.

After all that, I still had to pick up the 3 boxes of books at Pacific Housing. Now that all that is done with, I feel like quite the House DDS with ~27 books on teeth sitting on my desk. Then the day ended with more meet and greet during happy hour at the local Mexican restaurant.