Describe your summer 经验. What is a typical day like?

This summer, I am interning at Westfield Pediatric Dentistry. I am able to shadow dentists while they 执行程序 和 help dental assistants prepare exam rooms 和仪器. Each day, I follow a different dentist throughout their appointments to underst和 how they interact with patients, parents 和 staff, as well as how they 执行程序. It has been such an amazing 经验 to underst和 how a dental 练习跑步.

What inspired you to take on this particular 经验?

I chose to pursue this opportunity to gain h和s-on 经验 in the field of pediatric 牙科. I have always loved working with kids, but I didn’t truly underst和 what this meant in terms of 牙科, which is why this opportunity appealed to me. It has been amazing to learn how the dentists interact with (young) patients 和 help them feel 安全 和 comfortable.

What skills have you been able to learn or practice through this 经验?

Through this 经验, I have learned so much about interacting with children, specifically those with special needs or just complex behavioral challenges. 大多数孩子害怕 the dentist, so it’s important to take the time to make sure they are calm 和 feel 安全. I have learned how to build trust with a patient, which is vital when children 都很紧张.

What have you found most interesting or surprising about this 经验?

How the dentist changes their approach to different patients in order to improve their 经验. I find it so fascinating how the doctors can read the patient in seconds 和 underst和 what they need to feel comfortable. I also have very much enjoyed learning how doctors help children with special needs 和 those who can’t afford dental care.

怎么 F&M's pre-dental advising program help you with this 经验?

的 F&M pre-dental program has helped me so much throughout my college 经验, specifically to gain 经验 和 underst和 the necessary steps to achieve my goals. 的 pre-dental program helped me find opportunities in Lancaster. I have been volunteering at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic since the fall of my first year thanks to the F&M顾问. 从那 opportunity, I fell in love with helping others through 牙科. 

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

我选择了F&M because of the strong community. Everyone here, including students 和 faculty, are here to support one another. 在F&M, you're never alone. 有 always someone who wants to help 和 cares about your success.